Singapore: Civic space remains ‘repressed’ amidst regional crackdowns on protests and dissent

Singapore’s civic space remains “repressed,” according to the People Power Under Attack 2024 report released by the CIVICUS Monitor. The report highlights the government’s ongoing crackdown on freedoms of expression and assembly, using sweeping laws and targeted actions to silence dissent.

Singapore’s government imposed strict prohibitions on public expressions and gatherings related to contentious issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. In February 2024, social media influencer Camira Asrori was detained and questioned for pro-Palestine content.

The Protection against Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) was wielded extensively, targeting anti-death penalty activists, bloggers, and media outlets. High-profile figures like Reform Party leader Kenneth Jeyaretnam were subjected to correction orders, with his website and social media channels designated as “Declared Online Locations” (DOLs).

Independent media also came under fire, as seen in the designation of Gutzy Asia as a DOL in June 2024. Although the outlet operates outside Singapore, it faces restrictions until 2026.

Additionally, the Transformative Justice Collective received correction directions under POFMA for statements regarding the treatment of death row prisoners.

The government’s clampdown on peaceful assembly was similarly severe. The 2009 Public Order Act (POA) was used to investigate and charge activists for demonstrations.

Notable incidents include the April 2024 investigation of three activists for a banner protest at Gardens by the Bay and the June 2024 probe into 40 students and alumni who peacefully delivered letters opposing amendments to the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill.

Human rights defenders also faced significant challenges. Lawyer M. Ravi was struck off Singapore’s legal roll in May 2024, a move widely perceived as retaliation for his advocacy. Three activists—Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar—were charged under the POA for organising a solidarity procession for Palestine without a permit.

Across the Asia-Pacific, the CIVICUS Monitor report reveals that civic space remains largely restricted, with many countries using draconian measures to stifle dissent. Afghanistan, China, Hong Kong, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and North Korea are rated “Closed,” while nine other countries, including Singapore, are deemed “Repressed.”

Despite these grim findings, there were improvements in some countries. Bangladesh, Japan, and Fiji received upgraded ratings due to measures supporting civic freedoms. Conversely, Mongolia was downgraded to “Obstructed” as human rights defenders and journalists faced increasing reprisals.

Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Monitor’s Asia-Pacific researcher, emphasised the dire state of the region’s civic space, stating, “Most people in the region are living in countries with ‘closed’ or ‘repressed’ civic space. There is a critical need to support activists and civil society pushing back against these regimes.”

The report documented detention as the most common violation across the region. Protesters advocating for democratic reforms, labour rights, environmental justice, and opposition to human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories faced crackdowns. Excessive force, injuries, and unlawful killings were reported in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India.

Censorship was another pervasive issue. Countries like China, North Korea, Myanmar, and India imposed restrictions on media and access to critical information. Pre-election censorship was notably prevalent in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The report calls for increased international action to protect fundamental freedoms and support activists facing persecution.

According to Benedict, “Censorship and the detention of human rights defenders are deliberate strategies to silence critical voices. The international community must do more to protect freedoms and those in detention.”

The People Power Under Attack 2024 report assesses 198 countries and territories annually, rating civic space as ‘Closed‘, ‘Repressed‘, ‘Obstructed‘, ‘Narrowed‘ or ‘Open‘. It combines data from civil society activists, regional researchers, and international indices.

While the Asia-Pacific remains a challenging environment for civic freedoms, the report underscores the resilience of activists and organisations striving for justice and accountability.