In a significant development, a Singaporean court has cleared three women who organized a walk to express solidarity with Palestine. The women had faced charges for organizing an illegal procession, but a judge determined that their actions did not fully constitute the offense.
One of the acquitted women shared that the unexpected verdict offers a “new sense of energy and hope” for activists in Singapore, where public demonstrations are tightly controlled and typically require police permits. Gatherings related to the Israel-Gaza war have been effectively prohibited.
Singaporean authorities have stated that permit applications for such events are denied due to the potential for public disorder, given the sensitive nature of the conflict. While the government maintains that these regulations are crucial for maintaining peace and harmony, critics argue they limit freedom of expression.
The case involved Mossammad Sobikun Nahar and Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, who organized the event in February 2024, with assistance from Kokila Annamalai. Approximately 70 participants joined the walk, carrying umbrellas decorated with watermelons, a symbol of Palestinian support.
The defense contended that the women were unaware they were walking in a prohibited area, as they followed public roads. The judge acknowledged that while the women did organize a procession, they likely had no reason to believe their chosen route was illegal, especially since there were no clear signs indicating a restricted zone.
The prosecutor’s office has announced its intention to appeal the verdict. The acquittal has garnered attention, with the women’s chosen attire—clothing in Palestinian flag colors and keffiyeh scarves—going viral online, seen as a deliberate statement of defiance and solidarity.
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