SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has welcomed the court’s decision to acquit three women accused of organising a pro-Palestinian procession near the Istana, calling it a modest step forward for free speech and peaceful activism.
On 21 October 2025, District Judge John Ng ruled that the women — Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 26, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 30, and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 37 — could not have known that the route they took was part of a prohibited area under the Public Order Act.
Judge Ng said the trio “tried their level best not to run afoul of the law”, noting that the walkway lacked clear signage and had previously been used for similar letter deliveries to the Istana’s rear gate.
Their acquittal drew audible gasps and applause from the courtroom.
The women had been charged with organising a procession between 2pm and 3pm on 2 February 2024 to express solidarity with Palestinians.
The trial began on 18 September 2024, after charges were filed in June 2024.
In its statement on 21 Oct, the SDP said the ruling, though based on procedural grounds, “signals a small victory for social activism in Singapore”.
The party reiterated its call for citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech, association, and peaceful assembly.
“These rights are not nice-to-have practices, but important tools that all Singaporeans need as we struggle against increasing inequality, overcrowding and exploitation in our country,” the SDP said.
Attorney General’s Chambers to appeal against acquittal of three women
Judge Ng observed that while the prosecution had proven the first element of the charge — that Sobikun and Amirah organised the event and Annamalai assisted — it failed to show that they knew, or ought to have known, that the path was restricted.
He concluded: “An acquittal of the three persons is in order.”
In response to media queries, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed it will be filing a notice of appeal against the acquittal.
Background on the event
According to a police statement, around 70 people gathered outside Plaza Singapura mall at about 2pm on 2 February 2024 before marching towards the Istana.
Participants carried umbrellas painted with watermelon motifs, a recognised symbol of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel–Palestinian conflict.
Social media posts later identified the activity as part of the “Letters for Palestine” initiative, during which participants intended to deliver letters to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Istana Security Unit officer: Pro-Palestinian procession posed no threat, was cooperative
During cross-examination earlier on 3 July 2025, a commanding officer from the Istana Security Unit testified that the event was peaceful and did not warrant police intervention.
He stated that although he had the authority to disperse the crowd or make arrests, he chose not to, as the participants were cooperative.
“If they posed… a serious incident, I would have definitely had the power to exercise,” he said.
The officer also referred to a similar peaceful event held on 11 January 2024, where no legal action was taken.
The defence, led by lawyer Uthayasurian Sidambaram, argued that no signs indicated the route taken was within a prohibited area.
It was also noted in court that there is no alternative pedestrian path from Plaza Singapura to the Istana.
Had the three women been convicted, they could have faced up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
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