BBC - Singaporean women acquitted over pro-Palestinian walk

[hwzlite]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxrqyq5qqro

A court in Singapore has acquitted three women who organised a walk to the presidential office to show support for the Palestinian cause.

The women were prosecuted for organising an illegal procession. But a judge ruled their actions did not meet the full charge.

One of the women told the BBC she felt that the unexpected acquittal would "give a new sense of energy and hope" to activists in Singapore.

Public demonstrations are uncommon in Singapore, which has very strict rules against protests and requires a police permit for any gathering promoting a cause. Authorities have also effectively banned public gatherings related to the Israel-Gaza war.
...

Local media reports on Tuesday said there were "loud gasps" when the verdict was read out in the courtroom packed with the women's supporters.

Ms Annamalai said she had been "fully prepared to be convicted" and that their acquittal "came as a surprise".

"But it is also difficult to feel celebratory about it because we shouldn't have been charged in first place," she added.

She said their acquittal "can provide that new sense of energy and hope" as there was a "long fight ahead" for the civil rights movement and supporters of Palestine in Singapore. "The community needed a win," she said.

In a statement to the BBC, Singapore's prosecutorial office said it would file an appeal.

Police have launched investigations into other offline and online events related to the Israel-Gaza war.
....

 

[Kiwi8]

How come got acquitted ah? So doing a procession is condoned now?

 

[fortunehunter]

Give them 2 choice.
Go jail or go Gaza.

 

[人造人16 号]

One of the women told the BBC she felt that the unexpected acquittal would "give a new sense of energy and hope" to activists in Singapore.


let them go for free, boosted their confident for the future!

 

[kuti-kuti]

One of the women told the BBC she felt that the unexpected acquittal would "give a new sense of energy and hope" to activists in Singapore.


let them go for free, boosted their confident for the future!

Every nation makes the 1st wrong decision and then the landslides begins

 

[BusyBeeWorker]

How come got acquitted ah? So doing a procession is condoned now?

Depends on the cause. If they feel like it maybe reciting the pledge in a group will also get charged

 

[lifeafter41]

Prosecution gonna appeal.
It’s just the beginning.

 

[Heriophant]

Cantikkkk muacks

 

[eeLoyH]

This is a bad look for Singapore now all the gen z will suddenly think it’s okay

 

[eeLoyH]

One of the women told the BBC she felt that the unexpected acquittal would "give a new sense of energy and hope" to activists in Singapore.


let them go for free, boosted their confident for the future!

This is literally why they should be punished.

doesnt mean you activist can organise gatherings like that or go meet the mp session to jjww about gaza

 

[kuti-kuti]

Gov should just allow them go over there do what they wish instead of staying here talk 3 talk 4

 

[Medicated Oil]

 

[Joseph12]

Will thread be locked like other one?

 

[hardindex]

Cases of acquittal under Singapore’s Public Order Act due to ignorance are extremely rare, and the recent pro-Palestinian procession case appears to be unprecedented in its reasoning.


What makes this case unique

• The three women were acquitted because the court accepted their honest and reasonable belief that the route they took was not prohibited — largely because there were no signs or clear indicators that the area near the Istana was restricted.
• This sets a notable precedent, as most previous cases involving unauthorized assemblies or processions have resulted in convictions or fines, even when the participants claimed they didn’t know the law.

Why ignorance usually fails as a defence

• Singapore’s legal system generally follows the principle that ignorance of the law is not a defence.
• However, the Public Order Act includes a specific clause allowing acquittal if the accused had a reasonable and honest belief that their actions were lawful — which the judge found applicable here.

No prior cases found

• Based on available records and reporting, there are no other publicly known cases where individuals were acquitted under the Public Order Act solely because they didn’t know the route was prohibited.

Weak law, edwin tong need to sexplain

 

[Lifetime warranty]

Like that also acquitted.. haha.. SG really best

 

[blankies]

Did the prosecutors make any mistakes?
Did the judge make any mistakes? These could be the questions in people's mind.

 

[buttbERry]

so many threads on this

 

[ribena.bing]

Weak law, edwin tong need to sexplain

not weak law...
https://law.nus.edu.sg/people/ng-jonathan/

Prosecution gonna appeal.
It’s just the beginning.

where got say? don't make me excited over nothing

 

[GreatPumpkin]

Some retro news involving a certain oppie.

https://www.scmp.com/article/378487/opposition-leader-arrested-rally

 

[kuti-kuti]

Prosecution gonna appeal.
It’s just the beginning.

Judge already decided, how can blakan puseng?