Six people charged in Singapore over prohibited events
Six people in Singapore have been charged, mostly under the Public Order Act, over taking part in or organising processions and public assemblies. The incidents include a march along the Istana in support of Palestine and a mass kite-flying event at Marina Barrage linked to the conflict in Gaza, Channel NewsAsia reports.
The accused and the incidents
Kyaw Sin Linn Naing, Elijah Tay, Amira Mohd, Dayana Nur Mohamed, Nur Sabrina Kamel and Nurul Afika Kamel appeared in court. Kyaw, a Myanmar national and Singapore permanent resident, is accused of gathering with others near Novena MRT station on June 7, 2024, and proceeding to the Ministry of Home Affairs to deliver letters opposing the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill.
Singaporean Tay faces nine charges, including over the same procession. He is also accused of taking part in three candlelight vigils near Changi Prison on November 22 and 29, 2024, and January 23, 2025, dedicated to the executions of prisoners. According to CNA, on January 31, 2025, he allegedly refused to answer police questions about two such events.
A separate charge concerns Tay chanting the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” at The Arts & Civil Space in Ubi on February 2, 2024. According to the charge sheet, this was allegedly an act that could prejudice the maintenance of racial harmony and disturb public tranquillity. Tay is also accused of taking part in an assembly outside the State Courts on February 3, 2025, in support of abolishing the death penalty, refusing to answer police questions on July 11, 2025, and organising a memorial event at University Town on January 13, 2025.
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Events related to Gaza
Amira Mohd is accused of organising an assembly at Marina Barrage on October 27, 2024, to commemorate children who died in Gaza after October 7, 2023. Dayana Nur Mohamed is charged with taking part in the march along the Istana on February 2, 2024, and organising the event at Marina Barrage.
Nurul Afika Kamel is also accused of taking part in the march along the Istana and organising an assembly at Marina Barrage. Her sister, Nur Sabrina Kamel, is charged with organising that assembly and showing her middle finger to a public servant.
The court granted the defence's request to adjourn the hearings and allowed the accused not to attend future sessions unless their presence is required. The law provides for up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both penalties for organising a prohibited procession.
