Indian-origin activist charged in Singapore over pro-Palestinian protest

A 35-year-old Indian-origin activist has been charged with organising a procession of about 70 people with the plan to deliver letters to the presidential palace in support of the Palestinian cause.

The procession, for which no permission was taken, walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana, with participants carrying umbrellas painted with watermelon images symbolising Palestinian solidarity. The Istana is the official residence and office of the president of Singapore.

The pro-Palestine protests have spread across the world, with students calling for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, which has killed nearly 35,000 civilians since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year.

Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 35, a known civil activist, along with two Malay women, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 29, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 25, were charged under the Public Order Act for their involvement in the February 2 event along the perimeter of the Istana, a prohibited area.

The participants aimed to deliver letters to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Prime Minister’s office in Istana. The watermelon images represented the Palestinian flag amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Annamalai is said to have abetted the alleged offence by engaging Mossammad, Siti Amirah and others in her commission, reported Channel News Asia.

The three accused, represented by a lawyer who requested six weeks to make representations, have not yet indicated their plea. The lawyer also stated an urgent application would be made for Annamalai to leave the country in July to visit family.

All three were offered bail of Singaporean Dollar (SGD) 5,000 (USD 3,684). Annamalai and Mossammad’s cases are set for further mention on August 8, while Siti Amirah’s case will be heard on July 25.

Annamalai had previously received warnings for involvement in public assemblies without a permit, including a stern warning on December 5, 2017, and a 24-month conditional warning on November 30, 2021.

If convicted, each faces a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to SGD 10,000.