Freelance journalist and activist Kirsten Han revealed on 29 March, via a Facebook post, that she is under investigation by the Singapore Police Force.
According to Han, she received a WhatsApp message from the police a day prior, informing her of a new investigation and requesting her attendance for questioning.
In her post, Han criticised what she described as selective engagement by authorities, stating, “Genuine engagement cannot always be on their terms with only people they care to hear from, while everyone else is subjected to nonsense, resource-wasting investigations and other forms of harassment.”
The Online Citizen (TOC) understands that the investigation pertains to an event held on 3 February 2025, when a group of approximately 30 individuals gathered outside the State Courts in Singapore.
The gathering was a show of support for civil rights activist Jolovan Wham, who was appearing in court that day.
Photos shared online at the time showed individuals standing outside the court building, reportedly in silent solidarity.
Wham currently faces five charges under the Public Order Act for previous acts of protest. These include holding vigils and gatherings in support of death row inmates.
Police investigations into Wham are said to have also extended to five additional incidents of a similar nature.
Wham has been a frequent subject of legal action. He has faced multiple convictions related to unauthorised public assemblies and other civil disobedience campaigns.
TOC understands that Han is not the only individual contacted by the police in connection with the 3 February event.
Several others who were present at the gathering have reportedly been asked to assist in investigations.
No public statement has yet been released by the Singapore Police Force confirming the scope of the investigation or the legal basis under which it is being conducted.
Han has previously been vocal in her criticism of state policies, particularly in relation to freedom of expression and the use of the death penalty.
She is a known advocate against capital punishment and has written extensively on civil liberties in Singapore.
The investigation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the state’s treatment of activists and protest movements, especially those tied to issues such as the death penalty.
The 3 February gathering did not appear to involve speeches, chants, or placards, and there were no reports of disruption at the court premises.
Under the Public Order Act in Singapore, organising or participating in a public assembly without a police permit may constitute an offence.
The Act defines a public assembly—even one involving a single person—as any gathering intended to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group, or government.
Nevertheless, authorities may be viewing the act of assembling and taking a group photograph as an unlawful demonstration.
Critics have long argued that the Public Order Act is used disproportionately to curtail peaceful expression and dissent.
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