Wed Sep 18 04:06:07 UTC 2024: ## Three Singaporean Women to Contest Charges Over Pro-Palestinian Procession

**SINGAPORE** – Three Singaporean women, charged with organizing a pro-Palestinian procession near the Istana without a permit, will plead not guilty and contest their charges at trial. This was announced in court on Wednesday (Sep 18).

The three women, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori (29), Mossammad Sobikun Nahar (25), and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi (36), were arrested in June for organizing a procession on February 2nd, during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The group, estimated to be around 70 people, marched along Orchard Road carrying umbrellas painted with watermelon images, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.

The prosecution alleges that Siti and Mossammad organized the procession, while Annamalai is accused of abetting the conspiracy. All three deny the charges.

The case has been adjourned to October for pre-trial conferences. If convicted, each woman could face a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

The police, in a previous statement, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and public order, urging citizens to express their views peacefully and through appropriate channels. They encouraged participation in existing forums, dialogues, and donation drives organized for the issue.

The trial will likely see further discussion about the boundaries of freedom of expression and the implications of organizing public gatherings without proper permits.

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