Istana Security Unit officer says pro-Palestinian procession posed no threat

A commanding officer (CO) from the Istana Security Unit (ISU) testified on 3 July 2025 that a pro-Palestinian procession held on 2 February 2024 posed no security threat and did not warrant police intervention.

The CO appeared as a prosecution witness on the third day of the trial involving three Singaporean women — Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori (30), Mossammad Sobikun Nahar (26), and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi (36).

The women are charged under the Public Order Act (POA) for allegedly organising a procession along the Istana perimeter, a gazetted prohibited area. The event took place between 2pm and 3pm and involved about 70 participants.

Background of the procession

According to court proceedings, participants gathered outside Plaza Singapura before walking to the Istana to deliver letters addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in support of the Palestinian cause.

The trial, presided over by District Judge John Ng, began on 1 July 2025 and has drawn significant public interest. Advocacy group Students for Palestine has been documenting proceedings on social media.

Commanding officer’s testimony

During cross-examination, the CO confirmed he was aware of the planned event as early as January 2024. A police officer from the ISU had been deployed to observe the participants at Plaza Singapura.

He described the procession as “cooperative and peaceful,” noting there were no chants, placards, or disruptions. He stated that the group “posed no security threat” and that he did not intervene.

The CO also assisted the participants in crossing the road to access the Istana mailroom, confirming that hand-delivering letters to the Istana is permissible.

Authority to arrest but no cause for action

When questioned by defence lawyer Uthayasurian Sidambaram, the CO confirmed he had authority to disperse the crowd or make arrests if necessary.

“If they posed a serious incident, I would have definitely had the power to exercise,” he said, adding that no such powers were used because the procession remained orderly.

The CO also recalled a similar letter delivery on 11 January 2024, during which no arrests were made. The defence argued that no signage or physical barriers indicated that the area near the Istana was a prohibited zone, and that there is no alternative pedestrian route between Plaza Singapura and the Istana.

Deputy commanding officer’s supporting testimony

The Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of the ISU also took the stand on 3 July. He confirmed that he had been instructed to observe the event and saw no disorderly conduct.

During cross-examination, questions arose about an unidentified man in a blue T-shirt seen trailing the procession in CCTV footage. The ISU confirmed that the man was neither part of the procession nor a law enforcement officer, but his identity remains unknown.

Legal implications and ongoing trial

Under the Public Order Act, organising a prohibited procession carries a penalty of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,300), or both.

Students for Palestine has urged public solidarity, encouraging court attendance and donations to support the defendants’ legal costs, estimated at S$30,000 (US$22,000). Contributions are being collected via a public fundraiser.

In a social media statement following the hearing, the group questioned whether prosecutions under the POA were justified when events are peaceful.

“If there was no disorder, who does the POA protect? Whose interest does it serve?” the post read.

The trial is scheduled to continue for four more days.

 

 

 

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