Singapore police warn against Israel-Gaza war protests ahead of airshow involving Israeli firms
- The police are aware of a planned march to ‘demonstrate views’ on the Israel-Gaza war and investigating two other events for possible offences
- The Singapore Airshow, to be held from February 20-25, features displays by global aerospace and defence firms, including those from Israel
SPF said in response to media queries on Thursday that they were aware of calls on social media to gather for an event called Walk-Out Singapore to “demonstrate views” related to the war.
“A police permit is required for such activities,” said SPF, adding that organising or participating in such an event without one is an offence.
Pointing to their statement on Tuesday, SPF said that there are “particular public safety and security concerns with assemblies and processions” related to the conflict.
“They could lead to tensions and disharmony in our society, as different communities in Singapore hold different views on the matter.
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“We will therefore not approve applications to hold events related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, regardless of which side the support is for.”
SPF said that they contacted the organiser on Thursday and advised her on the matter.
On Tuesday, the police said they were investigating possible offences at two separate events on February 2 related to the war, including a public gathering along Orchard Road.
The authorities also said that they were aware of calls to protest against Israel at next week’s Singapore Airshow and have warned that organising or participating in a public assembly or procession without a permit is illegal.
Both events took place on February 2.
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A group of about 70 people had assembled along Orchard Road and marched towards the Istana, carrying umbrellas with watermelon images in support of the Palestinian cause.
They may have committed an offence for organising a public assembly without a permit, said the police in a media release, noting that the Istana is a particularly security-sensitive area designated as a prohibited area.
The second case that police are investigating involves an online video of a private event “where a subject was seen live streaming publicly and chanting ‘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 associated with calls for the destruction of Israel, SPF noted, adding that the use of such slogans can lead to racial tensions in Singapore and may be an offence.
The investigations come amid heightened global tensions as the Israel-Gaza war drags on.
Singapore police also said they are aware of calls to protest against Israel at the Singapore Airshow, such as gathering for a sit-in and pasting stickers related to the conflict.
The Singapore Airshow, to be held from February 20 to February 25, features displays by international aerospace and defence companies, including those from Israel.
