Singaporean women acquitted over pro-Palestinian walk

Three Singaporean women, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, Kokila Annamalai, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, have been acquitted of organising an illegal procession to show support for the Palestinian cause. The women were charged with violating Singapore's strict rules against protests, which require a police permit for any gathering promoting a cause. On February 2024, about 70 people participated in a walk from a shopping mall to the presidential office, carrying umbrellas painted like watermelons, a symbol associated with the Palestinian cause. The women were found not guilty of knowing their route was in a prohibited area, despite using public roads without signs indicating it was illegal. Their acquittal comes as a surprise, and they have expressed hope that it will give energy to activists in Singapore. The prosecution has announced plans to file an appeal.

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