Faishal Ibrahim urges restraint over personal attacks on 3 women on trial for pro-Palestinian procession
Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim urged the public to avoid personal attacks against three women on trial for a pro-Palestinian procession near the Istana. He stressed the need to respect differing views while upholding the law. Last week during the trial, a security officer said the event was peaceful, and the court was told that there was no alternate pedestrian route to the Istana.
SINGAPORE: Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has urged members of the public to refrain from personal attacks against three women on trial for allegedly organising a pro-Palestinian procession outside the Istana.
Speaking to the media in Malay after Friday prayers at the Muhajirin Mosque on 4 July 2025, Faishal said that Singapore's strength lies in respecting diverse views and upholding the law to preserve peace.
The three women, Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 26, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 30, and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 36, are currently facing charges under the Public Order Act.
They are accused of organising an assembly or procession without a permit on 2 February 2024, along the perimeter of the Istana — a location gazetted as a prohibited area under the Act.
Respect for differing views does not negate rule of law, says Faishal
According to Malay daily Berita Harian, Faishal acknowledged that there had been a range of reactions from the public, including unkind remarks and personal attacks directed at the accused.
“Even though we may hold differing opinions, we must not allow these differences to divide our society,” he said
He added, “Our strength as a society lies not only in what we stand for, but in how we treat those who disagree with us, and in our ability to respect differing views.”
Faishal called on the public to act with decorum, avoid personal attacks, and let the legal process take its course.
“We can disagree, but let us not abandon our manners. Let us remain courteous and respectful even in disagreement,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude that many Singaporeans show concern for issues of justice and humanity.
However, he emphasised that the charges were unrelated to the activists’ views or the cause behind the procession.
“The three women were charged because the procession took place in a prohibited area,” he explained.
He added that similar legal action would have applied regardless of the cause.
“In Singapore, everyone has the right to hold and express their views, including on humanitarian matters,” Faishal stated.
Details of the trial and nature of charges
The trial began on 1 July and is expected to continue until 10 July. District Judge John Ng is presiding over the case.
Each of the three women faces charges for allegedly organising a procession near the Istana between 2pm and 3pm on 2 February 2024.
According to court proceedings, around 70 individuals gathered outside Plaza Singapura and walked to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, supporting the Palestinian cause.
The advocacy group Students for Palestine has been closely following and documenting the proceedings on social media.
Istana Security Unit officer: Pro-Palestinian procession posed no threat, was cooperative
During cross-examination on 3 July, a commanding officer from the Istana Security Unit testified that the event was peaceful and did not warrant police intervention.
He stated that although he had the authority to disperse the crowd or make arrests, he chose not to, as the participants were cooperative.
“If they posed… a serious incident, I would have definitely had the power to exercise,” he said.
The officer also referred to a similar peaceful event held on 11 January 2024, where no legal action was taken.
The defence, led by lawyer Uthayasurian Sidambaram, argued that no signs indicated the route taken was within a prohibited area.
It was also noted in court that there is no alternative pedestrian path from Plaza Singapura to the Istana.
Debate over role of Koki in organising the event
On 4 July, the defence submitted that there was insufficient evidence to charge Annamalai Kokila Parvathi — also known as Koki — as an organiser.
They claimed her involvement was limited to advising Sobikun to ensure the event remained peaceful and free of slogans, placards, or symbols.
Koki was not part of the procession and did not escort participants to the Istana.
The prosecution countered that she played a key role by guiding Sobikun on how to avoid legal breaches and had the influence to prevent the procession.
They cited video footage showing her observing the distribution of umbrellas and referenced her interview remark — “Watermelons are not a threat. Free Palestine” — as an indication of her awareness of the event’s symbolism.
The defence contended that general advice or awareness did not amount to organising, especially since her suggestions were not followed.
Nevertheless, the judge found there was “some evidence not inherently incredible” to support the charge and ruled that Koki, along with the two co-accused, must present their defence.
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