6 charged over prohibited processions, public assemblies

On Jan 13, 2025, Tay allegedly organised a public assembly by staging a memorial in front of the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise at University Town within the National University of Singapore, demonstrating opposition to the ties between educational institutions in Singapore and Israel.

Amirah, a Singaporean, is accused of organising a public assembly on Oct 27, 2024 at the Marina Barrage, to publicise the cause of honouring children who died in Gaza after Oct 7, 2023.

Dayana, a Singaporean who gave birth four months ago according to her lawyer, received two charges.

One is for taking part in the procession along the Istana publicising the cause of solidarity with Palestine on Feb 2, 2024, and the other is for organising the public assembly at the Marina Barrage.

Singaporean Nur Sabrina is accused of organising the public assembly at the Marina Barrage, and of making a vulgar gesture at a public servant at the same location.

Her sister, Nurul Afiqah, also Singaporean, is accused of taking part in the Istana procession and of organising the public assembly at the Marina Barrage.

Kyal is defended by Mr Derek Wong, while the rest are represented by Mr Ariffin Sha.

The lawyers asked for adjournments and for their clients not to have to appear in subsequent hearings unless otherwise needed. Both requests were granted.

The courtroom was packed, with many supporters in the public gallery and others waiting outside. Opposition politician, Dr Chee Soon Juan, and socio-political blogger Leong Sze Hian were also in attendance.

Previously, three women who had organised the walk along the Istana had been acquitted by a district court but an appeal by the prosecution resulted in the acquittals being overturned. They were fined S$3,000 each.

If convicted under the Public Order Act of organising a prohibited procession, an offender can be jailed for up to six months or fined up to S$10,000, or both.

If convicted of taking part in a prohibited procession, an offender can be fined up to S$5,000.

If convicted of knowingly committing an act prejudicial to the maintenance of racial harmony, an offender can be jailed for up to three years or fined, or both.

The offence of using abusive behaviour towards a public servant is punishable with a fine of up to S$5,000.