> It seems pretty ridiculous for a government official to say "I am giving you permission to bypass these rules" and then arrest them for breaking those rules.

> It seems pretty ridiculous for a government official to say "I am giving you permission to bypass these rules" and then arrest them for breaking those rules. You seem surprised that an autocratic government would act illogically or immorally, and play according to rules that benefit them. They're just covering their asses so it can look like they're acting on behalf of the people. As soon as this blows over, it will be business as usual. The only thing they need to worry about is to not screw over someone powerful, which might backfire, but otherwise this is not unexpected.