SDP Young Democrats express solidarity with students investigated over Gaza memorial
The SDP Young Democrats have criticised police action against students investigated for organising a Gaza war memorial, calling it an infringement on free expression. They urged the government to cease its crackdown on youth activism and uphold constitutional rights. The police maintain that the event required a permit under the Public Order Act.
In a statement released on 11 March, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s Young Democrats registered their protest against what they described as the state’s suppression of youth activism.
The group argued that peaceful movements by students should be embraced in a mature society rather than met with police raids.
“We stand in solidarity with those being investigated by the police for their acts of courage and conscience,” said Joshua Shu, speaking on behalf of the Young Democrats.
“Such police action makes a mockery of the Constitution, which guarantees Singaporeans their rights to freedom of expression.”
The group also criticised the broader implications of such police actions, arguing that suppressing student activism not only weakens political engagement in Singapore but also stifles creativity and innovation.
Police probe into student-led memorial
The YD’s statement follows an ongoing police investigation into a “no-person” memorial held on 13 January outside the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) building.
Organised by the student group Students for Palestine Singapore, the memorial featured 124 pairs of shoes and a white burial shroud displayed in a photograph, symbolising lives lost in the Gaza conflict.
On 27 February, police officers from Clementi Division reportedly conducted early-morning raids at the homes of six university students and alumni suspected of being involved in the memorial.
According to an Instagram post by Students for Palestine Singapore, police arrived unannounced at the homes of the individuals between 7 and 8 am, seizing phones, laptops, and even clothing. Some students also reported that their social media accounts had been suspended.
View this post on Instagram
Police defend actions, cite legal provisions
Responding to media queries on 7 March, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that investigations were ongoing into the memorial, which they described as a “staged memorial.”
The police stated that:
- Three individuals opted to have their statements recorded at home.
- One requested an interview on 28 February at Clementi Police Division.
- Two others were issued written notices to attend in-person interviews the following day.
SPF clarified that no permit had been obtained for the memorial and emphasised that public assemblies in Singapore require police approval under the Public Order Act 2009. Investigations are being conducted under Section 16 of the Act.
They also defended the confiscation of personal devices and clothing, stating that such actions are standard investigative procedures when evidence is believed to be stored on seized items.
Concerns over police conduct and student intimidation
Despite these justifications, affected students described the police response as excessive and intimidating. Several reported feeling pressured and disoriented during early-morning questioning.
One student alleged that male officers entered her sister’s room before she could wear a hijab, raising concerns over religious privacy. Another student stated that officers denied them food before questioning and suggested that refusing to answer questions could be considered obstruction of justice.
The group also criticised the disruption caused by the investigation, particularly during mid-term season, stating that losing access to their digital devices significantly affected their academic work.
On 28 February, at least 32 members of civil society gathered outside Clementi Police Division Headquarters in support of the students under investigation.
View this post on Instagram
The SDP Young Democrats urged the government to stop what they termed a “crackdown” on constitutionally protected rights and allow youth activism to thrive in Singapore.
“The investigation of even such a mild civil action reminds one of a totalitarian state,” the group said. “We call on the government to cease its suppression and allow our youth to grow and flourish.”
