Singaporean women charged for organising procession near Istana to deliver Palestine letters
Three Singaporean women are standing trial for allegedly organising a pro-Palestinian procession to the Istana without a permit. The case has reignited public debate on freedom of assembly, symbolism, and the limits of protest in Singapore.
Procession or Peaceful Delivery?
On July 1, 2025, a joint trial opened in Singapore’s State Courts for three women—Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori (30), Mossammad Sobikun Nahar (26), and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi (36)—accused of organising a public procession without a permit. The alleged procession occurred on February 2, 2024, between 2pm and 3pm, when a group of around 70 people walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana, intending to deliver letters supporting the Palestinian cause.
The group, many holding umbrellas with watermelon patterns—a symbol of Palestinian solidarity—moved through Buyong Road, Cavenagh Road, and Orchard Road, areas classified as prohibited zones under Singapore’s Public Order Act.
Defence: No Knowledge of Violation
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Uthayasurian Sidambaram argued the accused believed their actions were lawful, citing a similar, unpenalized event on January 11, 2024, where another group hand-delivered letters via the same route. “They thought they had the right to do the same,” he told the court.
However, Investigation Officer Muhammad Faizal testified that while no placards or slogans were used, the group shared common elements, including the symbolic umbrellas and a unified objective. This, he said, constituted a public procession.
Prosecution: Law Must Be Upheld
The Deputy Public Prosecutor Sunil Nair dismissed the relevance of prior unpenalized events, stating that “knowledge of a previous incident where action wasn’t taken is not a defence.” He objected to the defence’s attempt to admit five past similar events as evidence, citing insufficient details for valid comparison.
Judge John Ng concurred with the prosecution and denied the motion, analogizing: “If a boy throws a stone and is not caught, it doesn’t give others permission to do the same.”
Surveillance and Evidence
The trial presented CCTV footage showing the accused leading the group from Plaza Singapura, distributing umbrellas, and guiding them to the rear of the Istana. Sobikun was seen walking in front, while Amirah fanned out letters and posed for photos. The defence confirmed the letters were addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, which has a mail drop-off point at the Istana’s rear entrance.
When asked if warning signs were posted or whether the group had received notice that a permit was needed, the investigation officer replied no warnings were issued and no permit was applied for.
What’s At Stake?
Under Singapore law, organising a prohibited procession carries penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of S$10,000 (US$7,900), or both. While the defence emphasizes peaceful intent, the prosecution remains firm on legal breach.
The trial is set to resume with additional witnesses expected to testify.
This high-profile trial touches on delicate balances between civic activism and regulatory enforcement. As expressions of solidarity for global issues grow in Southeast Asia, the outcome of this case may influence how peaceful assemblies are interpreted under strict public order frameworks in Singapore. For many Indonesians and regional observers, the case reflects the complex tensions between freedom of expression and national security protocols.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Procession, Istana Protest, Public Order Act, Palestine Letters, Umbrella Symbolism, Legal Defence
