Six people charged under Public Order Act over various protests and assemblies

Six people were charged in a Singapore court on September 9 for taking part in or organizing prohibited processions and public assemblies. The charges were largely brought under the Public Order Act. The accused include Kyal Sin Linn Naing, 22; Elijah Tay, 24; Amirah Mokhlis, 33; Dayana Noor Mohamed, 36; Nur Sabrina Kamel, 32; and Nurul Afiqah Kamel, 33.

Several of the charges relate to the Gaza conflict. Dayana Noor Mohamed and Nurul Afiqah Kamel are accused of taking part in a procession along the Istana on February 2, 2024. Amirah Mokhlis, Dayana Noor Mohamed, Nur Sabrina Kamel, and Nurul Afiqah Kamel are accused of organizing a mass kite flying event at Marina Barrage on October 27, 2024. Additionally, Nur Sabrina Kamel faces a charge of harassment for allegedly making a vulgar gesture at a public servant during the kite flying event.

Elijah Tay faces the highest number of charges with nine in total. These include participating in a procession near the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 7, 2024, and organizing a public assembly at the National University of Singapore on January 13, 2025, to oppose ties between Singaporean educational institutions and Israel. Tay is also accused of leading a chant supporting the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel on February 2, 2024, and participating in candlelight vigils for executed inmates in late 2024 and early 2025. She further faces charges for refusing to answer police questions on two occasions.

Kyal Sin Linn Naing is accused of participating in the June 7, 2024, procession to the Ministry of Home Affairs to deliver letters opposing the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill. The courtroom was packed with supporters, including opposition politician Dr. Chee Soon Juan and blogger Leong Sze Hian. The lawyers for the accused requested adjournments and that their clients not be required to appear in subsequent hearings unless necessary, requests which were granted.