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.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
At MARUAH, we believe in everyone’s right to a free and fair election.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Article 21 (3)
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
General comment adopted by the Human Rights Committee under article 40, paragraph 4, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
21. Although the Covenant does not impose any particular electoral system, any system operating in a State party must be compatible with the rights protected by article 25 and must guarantee and give effect to the free expression of the will of the electors. The principle of one person, one vote must apply, and within the framework of each State’s electoral system, the vote of one elector should be equal to the vote of another. The drawing of electoral boundaries and the method of allocating votes should not distort the distribution of voters or discriminate against any group and should not exclude or restrict unreasonably the right of citizens to choose their representatives freely.
MARUAH strongly condemns the abhorrent crimes against humanity in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and urges immediate action to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted on innocent civilians and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
We urge all parties involved to respect and abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as Articles 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. In particular, Article 5 states that ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.’.
Posted by jamestan2019 
MARUAH Singapore 
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