Singaporean authorities have pressed charges against activists for distributing pro-Palestinian letters and mobilizing a crowd to call for cutting ties with Israel, as reported by the BBC.
Under Singapore’s stringent regulations governing public demonstrations, the Public Order Act mandates that all protests must secure prior police approval if they aim to express support or opposition toward any individuals, groups, or governments publicly.
The incident involving pro-Palestinian activists unfolded when three women reportedly led 70 individuals in an unauthorized protest near Singapore’s presidential compound, accompanied by symbols associated with Palestine, such as watermelon motifs resembling the national flag’s colors.
According to the BBC, the activists allegedly distributed 140 letters to personnel in proximity to the presidential residence without the required permit for such assembly.
The accused activists, identified as Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, are facing charges for organizing the protest without lawful permission and have yet to state their plea.
The BBC highlighted potential penalties for the three women, including fines of up to $7,300 or imprisonment for up to six months.
Upon their release on bail, the women reportedly displayed solidarity with their cause; one wore a keffiyeh, while another sported a t-shirt emblazoned with “justice now!”
Israel-Singapore
According to the BBC, conflicts have arisen in Singapore due to the country’s “close relationship” with Israel despite its sizable Muslim population. According to a 2022 report by Pew Research Center, Muslims make up about 18% of the population.
There are long-standing ties between Israel and Singapore. The IDF was instrumental in helping Singapore develop its army; shortly after declaring idnepndence in 1965. The Singaporean Defense Minister Goh Keng Swee contacted former Israeli ambassador to Thailand, Mordecai Kidron, asking for help to build an army.
An Israeli military advisory team soon arrived in Singapore, and remained there for nine years, helping to organize, train and equip the fledgling army.
