Singapore Court Clears Women of Charges in Pro-Palestine Procession

In a significant legal development, a Singapore court acquitted three women, among them an Indian-origin individual, on charges of organizing a pro-Palestine procession around the presidential palace. The judgement concluded that they were unaware that the route was prohibited under the Public Order Act due to the absence of signage.

Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, aged 37, along with two other Singaporean women, contested the charge related to a February 2, 2024 procession aimed at publicizing solidarity with Palestine. The event, involving around 70 participants, took place along the perimeter of the Istana, the presidential palace, where they attempted to deliver letters to the Prime Minister's Office.

District Judge John Ng highlighted that the prosecution failed to demonstrate that the women should have known the procession was in a restricted area. He noted that the area was a public space with no indication of prohibition, leading to their acquittal. Annamalai remarked that although the acquittal is a victory, advocacy for civil liberties and Palestine's freedom continues.