Court Charges Six for Unlawful Assemblies Near Changi Prison

SINGAPORE – On September 28, six individuals were charged in court regarding their alleged involvement in unlawful public assemblies and processions.

Details of the Charges

The individuals facing legal action include Rocky Howe Wen Khong, 31; Jeanne-Marie Ten Leu Jiun, 56; Kokila Parvathi Annamalai, 38; 70-year-old Lim Kay Siu; 63-year-old Winifred Neo Swee Lin; and 37-year-old Han Li Ying Kirsten.

Rocky Howe has been charged with four counts stemming from his participation in candlelight vigils held without proper permits near Changi Prison on November 22 and 29, 2024, as well as January 23, 2025. Additionally, he faces charges related to an assembly aimed at advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, which took place on February 3, 2025, near the State Courts.

This is not the first time Howe has run into trouble; he previously received warnings for similar activities in March and April 2022, alongside a separate obstruction of justice charge in March 2022.

Other Participants

Jeanne-Marie Ten is facing two charges for participating in the same unauthorized vigils in November 2024. She had previously been warned in September 2026 for an assembly that took place outside the State Courts on February 3, 2025.

Actor Lim Kay Siu, along with his wife Winifred Neo and associate Han Li Ying, are also implicated in the February assembly outside the State Courts.

According to a police statement, Han has previously faced penalties, including stern warnings and a conditional warning over various offenses, including public assembly violations dating back to 2017 and obstruction of justice in 2022.

Kokila Annamalai received one charge related to her involvement in the February 3 assembly, in addition to another pending charge regarding a correction direction failure on October 6, 2024. Annamalai has a history of fines and warnings connected to organizing public processions without permits, notably in June 2017 and January 2021.

Legal Proceedings

Derek Wong, a lawyer representing five of the accused, requested a delay in the proceedings for four weeks, advocating for their release without bail due to the nature of the offenses, which typically result in fines. He suggested a personal bond as a more appropriate alternative.

Rocky Howe, appearing without legal representation, made a similar request for a personal bond.

However, District Judge Wong Peck denied all requests, setting bail at $5,000 for each individual.

Under current laws, those found guilty of organizing or participating in public assemblies without the necessary permits could face fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

All six individuals are scheduled to return to court on October 20 for further proceedings.