Three women, aged between 25 and 35, will be charged in court on 27 June 2024 for their alleged involvement in organising a procession without a permit on 2 February 2024 along the perimeter of the Istana, which is a prohibited area under the Public Order Act 2009.
The women had allegedly organised a procession to show their support for the Palestinian cause, including soliciting attendance online. On 2 February 2024, a group of about 70 people gathered outside a shopping mall along Orchard Road and then walked as a group to the Istana while holding open umbrellas that had been self-painted with a watermelon graphic. They did not have a permit under Section 7 of the Public Order Act 2009 to carry out the procession.
The 35-year-old woman will be charged for one count of abetment of organising a public procession in a prohibited area under Section 15(1) of the Public Order Act 2009 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code 1871. The woman had previously been issued a stern warning on 5 December 2017 and a 24-month conditional warning on 30 November 2021 for her involvement in other public assemblies without a permit. The other two women, aged 25 and 29, will each be charged for one count of organising a public procession in a prohibited area under Section 15(1) of the Public Order Act 2009. The woman aged 29 is under investigation for offences in a separate incident.
If found guilty, the offence under Section 15(1) of the Public Order Act 2009 is punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to six months or both.
Police investigations into others who may have been involved in the same event are ongoing.
As advised in previous news releases, the Police would like to urge members of the public not to engage in activities that will damage the peace, public order and social harmony which Singaporeans have worked hard to achieve, and enjoy today. 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. They could instead participate in the many forums and dialogues, and donation drives, which have been appropriately organised on the issue.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
27 June 2024 @ 10:00 AM