Police investigate 2 events related to the Israel-Hamas war

 

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is investigating possible wrongdoing in two separate events, including a public gathering in Orchard Road, which are linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

Both events are organized on Feb 2.

A total of 70 people gathered in Orchard Road at around 2.00 pm and marched towards the Palace, carrying umbrellas with pictures of watermelons as a sign of support for Palestine.

They may have committed an offense by organizing public gatherings without obtaining a permit, according to the police in a media statement on Tuesday (Feb 13), which added that the Palace is an area that especially requires a high level of security as it is gazetted as a Prohibited Area.

"Furthermore, their actions support the political agenda of other countries and have the potential to make the situation so tense that it can disturb public order," according to the SPF, which added that several police complaints were filed by members of the public.

According to social media posts, the participants of the 'Letters for Palestine' event walked from Plaza Singapura to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The second case investigated by the police involved an online video of a private event "where the subject was found to be openly live streaming and chanting the phrase 'from the river to the sea' (from the river to the sea)". Others were seen chanting "Palestine will be free" in response.

The phrase "from the river to the sea" is linked to calls for the destruction of Israel, according to the SPF, adding that such slogans can cause tensions between ethnic groups in Singapore and are an offence.

In her Facebook post, Second Minister of Home Affairs Josephine Teo said that the police alert "is not intended to deter anyone from expressing their concerns, or their vocal views on this issue".

"But there are ways to do it, which do not break the law or cause serious discord in our society," he added.

"Remember, we cannot resolve to end the conflict by starting more conflicts in our own (country). Instead, we can share our views prudently and contribute to humanitarian aid efforts," he advised.

"Let us continue to show kindness to those affected by the ongoing conflict, and at the same time preserve our unity."