They can, and will be charged in court.
In Singapore, the law governing public assemblies and protests is primarily the Public Order Act 2009 (POA).
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Public Order Act 2009 (POA) – Overview
The Public Order Act regulates public assemblies and processions to ensure public safety, security, and order.
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Key Definitions (Section 2 – POA)
1. Public Assembly
An assembly of one or more persons held in a public place:
To demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group or government;
To publicise a cause or campaign;
To mark or commemorate any event.
Even a one-person protest can count as a public assembly under this law.
2. Public Procession
A march, parade, or other movement of persons in a public place with the same intents listed above.
3. Public Place
Any place the public or any section of the public has access to (whether free or by payment).
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Permit Requirement (Sections 6–7 – POA)
Any public assembly or procession requires a police permit, unless it falls under exempted categories (e.g. certain events at Speakers’ Corner, under specific rules).
Organising or participating in a public assembly without a permit is an offence.
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Offence: Organising or taking part in a public assembly or procession without a valid permit.
Penalty: Fine of up to $5,000 (first offence); possible imprisonment for subsequent offences.
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Special Case: Speakers’ Corner (Hong Lim Park)
Some exceptions apply at Speakers’ Corner, where Singapore citizens can hold protests or give public speeches without a permit, but they must:
Register in advance via the NParks website;
Be a Singapore citizen;
Ensure topics are not related to religion or race;
Comply with other restrictions (e.g. no foreign participants, no use of sound amplification without approval).
Foreigners, non-citizens, and organisations must still seek approval, even for Speakers’ Corner.
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Other Relevant Sections
Section 15: Police powers
Police may disperse an unlawful assembly or procession.
They can arrest organisers or participants who fail to comply.
Section 16: Use of force
Reasonable force may be used to disperse unlawful assemblies.
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Summary
ActionIs Permit Needed?Legal?
Private meeting at homeNo
Peaceful protest in a public parkYes
without permit
Hunger strike in private (no publicity)No
Hunger strike with signs in public (protest)Yes
without permit
Protest at Speakers’ Corner by citizen (with registration)No
Protest involving foreigners or foreign supportYes
without permit
