Tue Oct 21 12:10:48 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article, formatted for clarity:

Summary:

A Singapore court acquitted three women, including an Indian-origin woman, of charges related to organizing a pro-Palestine procession near the Presidential Palace (Istana) in February 2024. The court found the prosecution failed to prove that the women were aware the route was prohibited under the Public Order Act, as there were no clear signs indicating the area was off-limits for such activities. The women believed they were simply delivering letters to the Prime Minister’s Office, a common practice at the Istana’s rear gate.

News Article:

Singapore Court Acquits Indian-Origin Woman, Two Others in Palestine Solidarity March Case

Singapore, October 21, 2025 (The Hindu) – A Singapore court today acquitted three women, including Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 37, of Indian origin, on charges related to organizing a pro-Palestine procession in February 2024. The women were accused of violating the Public Order Act by leading a group of approximately 70 people along the perimeter of the Istana, Singapore’s Presidential Palace, to deliver letters expressing solidarity with Palestine to the Prime Minister’s Office.

District Judge John Ng ruled that the prosecution failed to establish that the women were reasonably aware that the procession route was prohibited. The judge highlighted the lack of signage indicating the area was off-limits for such demonstrations and noted the common practice of delivering mail to the Istana’s rear gate.

“They would not have any inkling that using that route would be illegal or prohibited,” Judge Ng stated, emphasizing that the women held an honest and reasonable belief that they were not violating the law.

Following the acquittal, Ms. Annamalai acknowledged the verdict as an “incomplete victory,” emphasizing the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and Palestinian freedom.

The case has drawn attention to the complexities of freedom of expression and public assembly laws in Singapore, particularly concerning politically sensitive issues.

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