Singapore Court Acquits Trio in Pro-Palestine Protest Case, Citing Route Confusion

A Singapore court has acquitted three women for organizing a protest. The group included an Indian-origin woman. They were charged under the Public Order Act. The event was a pro-Palestine procession in February 2024.

The court found the women were unaware the route was prohibited. The walk proceeded near the perimeter of the Istana, the presidential palace. According to Channel News Asia, the group was delivering letters.

Judge Cites Lack of Warning Signs in Public Area

District Judge John Ng delivered the acquittal on Tuesday. He stated the prosecution failed to prove the women should have known the area was off-limits. The path outside the Istana was a public area.

Judge Ng noted the absence of signs indicating a prohibition. He pointed out that similar walks to deliver letters had occurred before. This created a reasonable belief that their actions were legal.

The judge concluded the women had an “honest and reasonable belief” they were not breaking the law. This belief was central to the not-guilty verdict. The ruling highlights the importance of clear public signage for restricted zones.

Acquittal Seen as a Partial Victory for Activists

Following the court’s decision, one defendant commented on the outcome. Annamalai Kokila Parvathi called it an “incomplete victory.” She suggested the fight for civil liberties and Palestinian freedom continues.

The case involved about 70 participants walking to the palace’s rear gate. Their goal was to hand-deliver letters to the Prime Minister’s Office. The mail drop-off point is located within the Istana grounds.

The acquittal clarifies the application of the Public Order Act. It underscores that intent and awareness are key factors. The verdict may influence how future public assemblies are organized and regulated in Singapore.

The Singapore protest case concludes with a focus on public awareness of restricted zones. The acquittal sets a notable precedent for similar demonstrations. This ruling emphasizes the legal requirement for clear demarcation of prohibited areas.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the protest in Singapore about?

The protest was a show of solidarity with Palestine. Participants aimed to deliver letters to the Prime Minister’s Office. The event took place in February 2024.

Why were the three women acquitted?

The judge ruled they did not know the route was prohibited. The public area lacked warning signs. Previous similar walks had occurred without issue.

What is the Public Order Act in Singapore?

It is a law regulating public assemblies and processions. Organizers typically need a police permit. The act designates certain areas as prohibited.

How did the defendant react to the acquittal?

Annamalai Kokila Parvathi called it an incomplete victory. She stated the fight for civil liberties continues. The focus also remains on Palestine’s freedom.

Where did the procession take place?

It occurred around the perimeter of the Istana. This is the official presidential palace in Singapore. The group walked to the rear gate mailroom.