11 people, aged 20 to 27, given conditional warnings for delivering letters opposing racial harmony laws to MHA

11 people in Singapore have been issued 12-month conditional warnings by the police, following their participation in a public procession to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in June 2024, where they submitted letters expressing their opposition to the island's racial harmony laws.

The group was part of approximately 30 individuals who walked from Novena MRT station to the MHA entrance at Irrawaddy Road on the afternoon of Jun. 7, 2024.

Seven others from the same group remain under investigation in connection with separate cases.

Background

According to a statement issued by the Singaporean Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel and Students for Palestine (an inter-university coalition of Pro-Palestine student groups), the group consisted of 40 individuals of various racial backgrounds.

They comprised students and alumni from institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, polytechnics, and Institutes of Technical Education.

The group submitted letters expressing opposition to the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, which was subsequently passed in 2025.

The Bill addresses content deemed harmful to racial harmony and seeks to limit foreign influence through race-based organisations.

Two representatives were allowed to enter MHA and deliver the letters, after which the group was directed to disperse.

During the procession, which participants described as peaceful, many wore T-shirts bearing the phrase "There are no universities left in Gaza."

At the time, Singapore authorities had made clear that public assemblies and processions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict were prohibited due to public order concerns.

Issued 12-month conditional warnings

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the police confirmed on Mar. 25 that investigations have been completed.

The 11 individuals, aged between 20 and 27, were issued conditional warnings for offences including participating in an unlawful public assembly or procession, obstructing the course of justice, as well as prohibited photography of a protected place.

A police spokeswoman urged members of the public to express feedback through lawful channels, warning against actions that could threaten public order or social harmony.

"As fellow Singaporeans, we should conduct ourselves responsibly, and not think we are above the laws and values to which the rest of our society subscribes," she said, adding that the public's interest in maintaining a safe and harmonious environment must not be disregarded.

On the matter of foreign nationals, she added that those who violate Singapore's laws, including the Public Order Act, would face firm action, which may include the revocation of their permanent residency, long-term visit passes, work passes, student passes, or other immigration facilities.

Top photos from Singaporean Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel/Instagram and MHA/Facebook