[Statement] Acquittal of the three women charged with organising a procession outside the Istana to publicise the cause of solidarity with Palestine

23 October 2025

We applaud the acquittal of Ms Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, Ms Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, and Ms Annamalai Kokila Parvathi on 21 October 2025 for their alleged organisation of a procession outside the Istana.

This case underscores the challenges activists face under the Public Order Act, where stringent permit requirements can inadvertently stifle legitimate advocacy, such as expressing solidarity with Palestine. While Singapore’s emphasis on public order is understandable, laws must balance security with the fundamental right to freedom of expression, as recognized in international human rights frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Singapore is a signatory.

We urge policymakers to review the clarity of regulations around prohibited areas and permit processes to prevent similar misunderstandings and ensure civic space for non-violent advocacy. The courage of these women also highlights the need for greater public awareness and dialogue on balancing civic freedoms with Singapore’s unique socio-political context. This acquittal is a step toward fostering a more inclusive environment for peaceful activism in Singapore.

MARUAH


[Webinar] Voices of Democracy: Civil Societies and the UN

18 November 2021

Ever wondered what the UPR was? Every few years, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council sets about examining the human rights records of all UN Member States. Join changemakers from Pink Dot and MARUAH for an online panel discussion about the role of the UPR in Singaporean advocacy, policymaking and discourse this Friday, Nov 19, from 3pm-5pm! Proudly organised by the Yale-NUS/NUS Community for Advocacy and Political Education (CAPE)


Sign up at bit.ly/UPRCAPE or scan the QR code