Three women who allegedly organised a group of about 70 people that delivered letters to the Istana in support of the Palestinian cause were charged in court on Thursday (Jun 27).
According to Channel News Asia, Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 35, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 29, and Mossamad Sobikun Nahar, 25, were charged under the Public Order Act for organising an assembly or procession without a permit on Feb 2 along the perimeter of the Istana, a prohibited area.
According to the police, the group did not possess the necessary permit to conduct the procession. Investigations into potential involvement of others in the same event are currently ongoing.
Annamalai, a known civil activist, is said to have abetted the alleged offence, as per the report. All three appeared in court and were accompanied by a group of more than 10 people, including prominent activist Jolovan Wham.
The women allegedly organised a procession to show their support for the Palestinian cause, including soliciting attendance online.
On Feb 2, a group of about 70 people had assembled along Orchard Road outside a shopping mall at about 2pm and walked towards the Istana.
They carried umbrellas painted with watermelon images in support of the Palestinian cause amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The watermelon colours are the same as those on the Palestinian flag, and the fruit has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
Participants of the Letters for Palestine event walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Annamalai had previously been issued a stern warning on Dec 5, 2017, and a 24-month conditional warning on Nov 30, 2021, for her involvement in other public assemblies without a permit, according to CNA.
Each of the three women was offered bail in the amount of $5,000, according to ST.
Siti Amirah is under investigation for offences in a separate incident, the police said without elaborating.
Police investigations into others involved in the same event are ongoing.
The police advised the public to refrain from participating in actions that may disrupt the peace, stability, and social cohesion in Singapore.
“We understand that some people may feel strongly about the Israel-Hamas conflict, but they should not break the law to express their views, nor emulate the protestors in other countries,” the police said.
The Police added : “They could instead participate in the many forums and dialogues, and donation drives, which have been appropriately organised on the issue.”
If convicted, each faces a jail term of not more than six months, or a fine of up to S$10,000.
Images via Wakeupsg/Instagram
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