Lawyer and former Internal Security Department (ISD) detainee Teo Soh Lung revealed on Thursday (6 Feb) that she is under investigation by the Singapore police for an alleged offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014.
The investigation centres on a Facebook post she made on 27 December 2024 during an incident involving journalist and activist Kirsten Han.
In her Facebook statement, Teo recounted receiving a phone call from Tanglin Police Station informing her of the investigation.
“I was shocked as I didn’t recall harassing any public servant,” she wrote, emphasising that she had always maintained a polite approach towards public officers.
She said the police provided no details over the phone, insisting she attend an in-person interview before further information could be disclosed.
According to Teo, she received a letter on 21 January 2025, hand-delivered by police, requiring her to attend an interview on 6 February at Tanglin Police Station.
The letter did not specify the nature of the alleged harassment, which led her to seek clarification by calling the contact number provided. However, after multiple attempts and messages, she said she received no response.
Eventually, she decided to accompany Kirsten Han to the police station a day earlier, on 5 February, after learning that Han had also been called in for a separate matter.
Teo described the experience of navigating traffic and struggling to find parking, expressing frustration at logistical difficulties during her visit.
Once at the station, Teo was informed that the investigation stemmed from her 27 December 2024 Facebook post.
The post, shared during Han’s interrogation at another police station, encouraged friends and supporters to call Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSGT) Tan Tuan Hok if Han’s detention was prolonged.
Teo explained that the post was made out of concern for Han, noting that friends are typically allowed to accompany individuals being questioned. However, in this case, no one had been permitted to enter the police station with Han.
Teo expressed confusion over the police’s assertion that her Facebook post constituted harassment of SSSGT Tan, noting that the post also included updates when Han was released.
“Which idiot would call SSSGT Tan after knowing Kirsten has been released?” she questioned, arguing that the post served no malicious purpose.
During the interview, Teo said she was asked how many people had contacted SSSGT Tan in response to her post. She told the officer that she had no knowledge of any calls and suggested that the police question Tan directly.
The officer reportedly informed her that Tan had already been interviewed but did not disclose whether any calls were made.
Teo described the encounter as frustrating and unproductive, criticising the investigation as a waste of time and resources.
“I was sure she would have been happier investigating real crimes like the rampant scams that are taking place in Singapore,” she said, referencing ongoing concerns about financial scams affecting the public.
Authorities have yet to comment publicly on the investigation or provide additional details on the outcome of Teo’s police interview.
