Six women were charged on September 9 with multiple offences under Singapore’s Public Order Act in connection with various unlawful events linked primarily to the Gaza conflict. The charges involve participation in unpermitted public processions near the Istana and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) building, among other alleged activities.
The accused include Kyal Sin Linn Naing, 22, a Myanmar national and Singapore permanent resident; and Singaporean citizens Amirah Mokhlis, 33; Dayana Noor Mohamed, 36; Nurul Afiqah Kamel, 33; Nur Sabrina Kamel, 32; and Elijah Tay, 24. Charges range from involvement in unlawful assemblies to harassment and refusal to cooperate with public servants.
Nurul Afiqah Kamel and Dayana Noor Mohamed allegedly took part in a procession without a permit around the Istana perimeter on February 2, 2024, a designated prohibited area. The group reportedly gathered along Orchard Road and marched toward the Istana carrying umbrellas adorned with watermelon images—a symbol used to show Palestinian solidarity.
Elijah Tay faces nine charges, including six under the Public Order Act, two for refusing to answer questions from a public servant, and one for committing an act prejudicial to racial harmony. Tay is alleged to have led a chant during an event at The Arts and Civil Space community hub in Ubi Crescent on February 2, 2024, reciting the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which the charge states supports the elimination of Israel.
Kyal Sin Linn Naing and Tay are also accused of taking part in a public procession without a permit on June 7, 2024. The group reportedly moved from near Novena MRT station to the MHA building to deliver letters opposing the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, enacted in February 2025. The legislation allows authorities to issue restraining orders against individuals producing content deemed harmful to Singapore’s racial harmony. During this event, some participants wore shirts referencing the destruction of universities in Gaza.
On October 27, 2024, Nur Sabrina, Nurul Afiqah, Amirah, and Dayana allegedly organized a mass kite-flying event at Marina Barrage to highlight the plight of children who died in Gaza after October 7, 2023. The police said this event also did not have the necessary permit. Nur Sabrina faced an additional charge of harassment for allegedly making an obscene gesture toward a public servant during the event.
Some of Tay’s other alleged offences occurred during candlelight vigils near Changi Prison in November 2024 and January 2025, commemorating the executions of three convicted drug traffickers—Masoud Rahimi Mehrzad, Syed Suhail Syed Zin, and Rosman Abdullah. Tay was later interviewed but refused to respond to questions related to these vigils.
Tay additionally is accused of organizing an unpermitted public assembly in January 2025 outside a National University of Singapore building. The group demonstrated opposition to ties between Singapore educational institutions and Israel by placing shoes and a white burial shroud at the site. In February 2025, Tay allegedly took part in another unpermitted assembly near the State Courts to advocate for the abolition of capital punishment.
All six women were granted bail at $5,000 each and are scheduled for further court proceedings in October. Supporters, including prominent figures such as Singapore Democratic Party chairman Paul Tambyah and secretary-general Chee Soon Juan, gathered outside the State Courts on the day of the hearing.