Six people aged between 31 and 70 have been charged in Singapore over their alleged participation in public assemblies and processions without police permits, including a gathering held in a prohibited area outside the State Courts.
The six — Kirsten Han, 37; Lim Kay Siu, 70; Neo Swee Lin Winifred, 63; Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 38; Howe Wen Khong Rocky, 31; and Ten Leu Jiun Jeanne-Marie, 56 — appeared in court on Sept. 28. The cases involve alleged incidents between November 2024 and February 2025.
Howe faces three charges for allegedly participating in public assemblies without a permit outside Changi Prison. He also faces a separate charge relating to participation in a public assembly in a prohibited area outside the State Courts on Feb. 3, 2025.
Ten faces two charges over alleged participation in unpermitted assemblies outside Changi Prison on Nov. 22 and Nov. 29, 2024. Police said she had previously received stern warnings for similar conduct.
Han, Annamalai, Lim and Neo each face one charge relating to the Feb. 3, 2025 assembly outside the State Courts. The gathering was connected to advocacy concerning the death penalty. Lim and Neo, who are married, are known for their roles in the Singapore television sitcom Phua Chu Kang.
The cases involving Annamalai and Han also follow previous encounters with Singapore’s Public Order Act. Police said Han had previously received several penalties, including stern warnings and a 12-month conditional warning, while Annamalai had previously been convicted over organising an unpermitted procession and participating in other public assemblies.
Annamalai was previously fined S$3,000 and given a 24-month conditional warning in connection with earlier offences involving unpermitted processions and assemblies.
Singapore’s Public Order Act requires a police permit for public assemblies or processions in public places unless an exemption applies. Authorities also designate certain locations as prohibited areas, where additional restrictions and penalties can apply.
Police said people who want to organise public assemblies should apply for the necessary permit beforehand. Those wishing to express their views without a permit can consider Speakers’ Corner, which is an established location for Singaporeans to express their views.
The penalties depend on the specific offence. Participation in an unpermitted public assembly can carry a fine of up to S$5,000, while organising an unpermitted assembly can carry a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Higher penalties may apply to offences involving prohibited areas.
The six defendants were granted bail following the court hearing. The charges are allegations at this stage, and the court proceedings will determine the outcome of the individual cases.
The latest cases also highlight Singapore’s continued enforcement of regulations governing public demonstrations, particularly when authorities allege repeated breaches of the Public Order Act.
For the defendants, the immediate issue is the court process and the specific evidence relating to each alleged assembly. For authorities, the cases reinforce the requirement that public gatherings comply with Singapore’s permit and location rules.
The proceedings are also likely to draw attention because several of those charged have previously faced action under the same legislation, while the cases involve gatherings connected to issues including the death penalty.
The latest charges therefore put renewed focus on the boundaries governing public assembly in Singapore and the legal consequences that can follow when authorities allege that those rules have been breached.
