In Singapore even one person cannot hold a protest
16 Oct 07
The PAP continues to treat the Constitution with utter
contempt.
Ignoring the fact that the Constitution guarantees the right of
Singaporeans to freedom of speech and assembly except in emergency
situations that threaten national security, the PAP government
continues to abuse its executive powers to deny SDP leaders and
activists their fundamental rights.
On 8 Oct, five SDP leaders (including our video-grapher) were
arrested for holding a four-person protest outside the Istana
against Singapore's involvement in Burma. The reason? Under the
Istana Order, two or more people are considered illegal assembly
and procession!
To circumvent this absurd "law" that took effect only in November
2002, Dr Chee Soon Juan staged a one-man protest on Monday to drive
home the point that Singaporeans have the right to know the extent
of PAP government's involvement, both in arms supplies and business
deals with the Burmese military junta.
Even this, the police are saying it's an offence. They had warned
him that he had no permit under the Public Entertainment and
Meetings Act.
Today, on the second day of his protest, Dr Chee was approached by
a woman officer from the NPark. According to her, the place comes
within the purview of her department and he had to remove his
poster and leave the vicinity immediately. But Dr Chee refused to
budge, and the officer threatened to call the police. Dr Chee told
her to help herself since the police are just across the road.
After making a phone call, she left.
Sometime back, when four activists staged a peaceful protest
outside the CPF building, the PAP government dispersed them with
fully armed riot police. But PAP ministers and MPs continue to
flout the law and hold protests and marches. Recently, a PAP MP was
at the forefront of scores of protesters outside the Parliament
House (see photo on the left) and nothing happened to them.
It looks like as long as it's political in nature and not favorable
to the PAP, it is banned.
Where in our law book does it provide for such political
decisions?
Would any lawyer or legal professional care to enlighten?
