Civil Society
Gilbert Goh receives stern warning over solidarity actions at Speakers’ Corner for Israel-Palestine victims
Singapore activist Gilbert Goh has received a stern police warning over at least 17 alleged breaches of the Public Order Act, including a 2023 protest at Speakers’ Corner calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Goh continues his humanitarian work in Gaza, providing food and medical aid to victims of the conflict.
Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh has been issued a stern warning by the Singapore Police Force over multiple incidents of unauthorised public assemblies, notably including a demonstration at Speakers’ Corner related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The warning follows the conclusion of investigations into at least 17 alleged breaches of the Public Order Act 2009.
According to a letter dated 8 May 2025, shared by Goh with The Online Citizen (TOC), authorities completed their probe into Goh’s alleged offences.
These include an alleged breach of Section 16(3) of the Act on 19 October 2023 at Hong Lim Park, where Goh participated in an assembly without a permit.
Other incidents involve a breach of Section 16(2) on 17 October 2019 and 15 additional alleged unauthorised assemblies between 13 October 2019 and 28 December 2021.
The police statement, issued by Investigation Officer Insp Mohd Haziq Danial of the Central Police Division, stated that after carefully reviewing the facts and with the concurrence of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, a stern warning was issued.
The statement warned that if Goh commits any future offences, “the same leniency may not be shown towards him.” It also noted that prosecution could follow if new facts emerge regarding these offences.
The warning “does not amount to a conviction or a finding of guilt by a court of law” and does not mean Goh has a criminal record under the Registration of Criminals Act 1949.
Furthermore, it will not be cited in future court matters to enhance sentencing or affect Goh’s legal rights and liabilities.
The 19 October 2023 incident drew public attention after Goh posted a monochromatic image on Instagram showing himself at Speakers’ Corner, holding a placard reading, “Peace not war. Israel stop the killing at Gaza! Hamas release all the hostages!”
The police later confirmed they were investigating the unauthorised demonstration.
The police reiterated that participating in or organising public assemblies without a permit, particularly on sensitive issues like the Middle East conflict, is an offence under Singapore law.
Separately, the National Parks Board at the time announced a ban on events and public assemblies related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing concerns over public safety and security amid escalating international tensions.
Goh has previously faced legal consequences for similar actions.
In August 2022, he was fined for protesting without a permit outside the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority building, where he held a placard in May 2021 urging a ban on flights from India during a COVID-19 surge.
Under the Public Order Act, participating in a public assembly without a permit can lead to fines of up to S$3,000.
Refusing to sign a police statement may result in up to three months’ jail, a fine of up to S$2,500, or both.
Goh is well known in Singapore for his human rights advocacy.
He leads Transitioning.org, which supports the unemployed and needy in Singapore.
His activism also extends internationally, including ongoing humanitarian work through Love Aid SG in conflict zones such as Gaza, where he is currently involved in providing food and medical aid to victims.
The Gaza conflict intensified after Hamas launched a major attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing more than 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials.
In response, the Israeli army expanded its air and ground operations across Gaza.
A ceasefire agreement on 19 January 2025 brought around two months of relative calm. However, on 18 March, Israel resumed military operations in the enclave.
Since then, at least 2,545 Palestinians have been killed and 6,856 injured, raising the total death toll in Gaza since October 2023 to 52,653, with 118,897 people injured, according to Gaza-based health authorities.
