18-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Singapore Police and the National Parks Board (NParks) declared their intention to reject all applications for public events and assemblies related to the Israel-Hamas war. Citing concerns for public safety and security, both organizations expressed their unease in light of the heightened tensions surrounding the conflict.
The joint statement read: “The police will not grant any permit for assemblies that advocate political causes of other countries or foreign entities, or may have the potential to stir emotions and lead to public order incidents.” The statement emphasized the importance of preserving peace and harmony among different races and religions within Singapore and cautioned against letting external events disrupt the nation’s internal stability.
Given the sensitivity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the volatility of the situation overseas, authorities believe that hosting such events in Singapore could pose a genuine risk of inciting public disorder. Consequently, all applications to organize such gatherings will be declined.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has seen a rise in incidents of violence worldwide. For instance, an Israeli embassy employee in Beijing was recently stabbed in front of a supermarket, while in France, a French school teacher fell victim to a fatal stabbing by a Chechen assailant on October 13.
The Straits Times has identified two planned events in Singapore associated with the Israel-Hamas war, both of which were promoted on TikTok. One, titled “Singapore X Palestine Protest,” was scheduled to take place at Marina Barrage on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The other event, named “Peace Rally for Palestine,” was set to occur on Sunday at Hong Lim Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The police clarified that public assemblies in Singapore are regulated under the Public Order Act, and organizing or participating in such assemblies without a police permit is considered an offense. They also reminded the public to engage in responsible and respectful discussions regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, both online and offline.
Individuals were further advised to refrain from making insensitive or offensive remarks about race or religion, which could jeopardize Singapore’s racial and religious harmony.
Under the Penal Code, individuals who intentionally make statements that harm the racial feelings of others can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. Those who promote disharmony between different racial groups based on race can also be subject to the same penalties.
Under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, engaging in conduct that encourages violence against a particular religious group or urges violence against a group distinguished by religion can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine, or both. Engaging in conduct that incites enmity, hatred, ill-will, or hostility against a religious target group can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
The police underscored their commitment to maintaining racial and religious harmony in Singapore and emphasized their intent to swiftly address any actions that could harm such harmony. Any individuals who engage in actions that may sow discord among different racial or religious groups in Singapore will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
