Three women charged for organising letter submission to S’pore PM in solidarity with Palestine

SINGAPORE: Three women who allegedly organized a group of about 70 people to deliver letters to the Istana in support of the Palestinian cause were charged in court on 27 June.

The individuals charged are Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 35, an activist with the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC); Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 29, a social media influencer; and Mossamad Sobikun Nahar, 25, a community worker.

Annamalai was charged with abetting the organization of a public procession in a restricted area, while Mossamad and Amirah were each charged with organizing such a procession. These charges fall under the Public Order Act.

During their court appearance, the three were accompanied by more than 10 supporters, including prominent activist Jolovan Wham.

According to a press release from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued on Thursday, the women allegedly organized a procession to express support for the Palestinian cause, including promoting attendance online.

On 2 February, approximately 70 people gathered along Orchard Road outside a shopping mall around 2 PM and proceeded towards the Istana.

They carried umbrellas adorned with watermelon designs as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid the Gaza conflict, matching the colours of the Palestinian flag.

Social media posts indicate that participants of the Letters for Palestine event walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The police added that Annamalai had previously been issued a stern warning on 5 December 2017 and a 24-month conditional warning on 30 November 2021 for her involvement in other public assemblies without a permit.

Siti Amirah is under investigation for offences in a separate incident, the police said without elaborating. Police investigations into others involved in the same event are ongoing.

The police urged the public “not to engage in activities that will damage the peace, public order and social harmony which Singaporeans have worked hard to achieve, and enjoy today.”

They added, “We understand that some people may feel strongly about the Israel-Hamas conflict, but they should not break the law to express their views, nor emulate the protestors in other countries.  ”

“They could instead participate in the many forums and dialogues, and donation drives, which have been appropriately organised on the issue. ”

If convicted, each faces a jail term of not more than six months or a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,364).

Criticism of Government action

In response to the charges, the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) on Wednesday issued a statement criticizing the government’s actions.

“In the face of peaceful demands to act with moral courage against the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the Government has chosen to respond vindictively with criminal sanctions,” the statement read.

“Such sanctions levelled against the three are also a continuation of the intimidation of peaceful support for Palestinian lives in Singapore.”

TJC also condemned the Public Order Act as a draconian restriction on the people’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, rights enshrined in Article 14 of Singapore’s Constitution.

They called for the charges to be withdrawn and for an end to all other investigations and intimidation of peaceful actions in support of Palestine.