Women aged 22 to 36 face charges linked to several unpermitted demonstrations.
Six women are set to face charges in Singapore over a series of public assemblies, processions and other incidents dating back to 2024, including several linked to the Palestinian cause.
Six Women Face Multiple Charges
Six women aged 22 to 36 are due to be charged in court on September 9, 2026, over alleged involvement in public assemblies and processions without permits and other related offenses. Singapore police said several incidents involved support for the Palestinian cause, while some additional allegations related to protests against the death penalty. The cases span locations including the Istana, Marina Barrage, National University of Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the State Courts.
Istana Procession and Marina Barrage Event
A 33-year-old and a 36-year-old allegedly joined an unpermitted procession on February 2, 2024, along the perimeter of the Istana while carrying umbrellas featuring watermelon imagery associated with Palestinian resistance and solidarity. The Istana is designated a prohibited area under Singapore law. The pair, together with two other women aged 32 and 33, are also accused of organizing a mass kite-flying event at Marina Barrage on October 27, 2024, intended to raise awareness of the Gaza conflict.
24-Year-Old Faces Additional Offenses
A 24-year-old woman faces multiple charges arising from several separate incidents. Police said she allegedly led a pro-Palestinian chant during a publicly livestreamed event on February 2, 2024, and will face a charge of knowingly committing an act prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups.She is also accused of participating in three candlelight vigils linked to executions of prisoners on death row and a protest outside the State Courts, refusing to answer questions from an authorized public servant, and organizing an unpermitted assembly at NUS in January 2025.
Other Incidents Include MHA Procession
The same 24-year-old and a 22-year-old woman are accused of participating in a procession from Novena MRT station to the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 7, 2024, where participants intended to deliver a letter and some wore shirts referring to universities in Gaza. Separately, the 32-year-old woman involved in the Marina Barrage event also faces a charge of abusive behavior toward a public servant. The two 33-year-old women were separately issued stern warnings on September 2 and September 3 over a banner that was hung at Gardens by the Bay on April 15, 2024.
Singapore Reiterates Public Assembly Rules
Singapore police emphasized that public assemblies and processions are regulated under the Public Order Act, and organizing or participating in such activities without the required permit can constitute an offense. Those convicted of participating in an unpermitted assembly or procession may be fined up to S$5,000, while those convicted of organizing one may face a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months’ jail, or both. The racial harmony-related charge faced by the 24-year-old carries a possible jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both. Police said permits would not be granted for assemblies advocating political causes of foreign countries or entities where authorities assess potential public-order concerns.
The cases underline Singapore’s restrictive legal framework for demonstrations, particularly around prohibited or security-sensitive locations and foreign political causes. For Singaporeans, the proceedings reinforce the importance of understanding permit requirements before joining public advocacy activities. Indonesians living in or visiting Singapore should likewise be aware that forms of public protest permitted or handled differently elsewhere may carry legal consequences under Singapore law.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Singapore Public Order Act, Pro Palestine Singapore, Singapore Protest Charges, Unpermitted Assembly Singapore, Istana Protest, Marina Barrage
