an illegal procession in 2024, which saw dozens walk towards the presidential office in support of Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza. But the High Court overturned that decision on Thursday following an appeal by the prosecution, handing down a fine of S$3,000 ($2,300; £1,700) each. Public demonstrations are rare in Singapore, which has tight restrictions on protests, and authorities have effectively banned public gatherings related to the Israel-Gaza war. In February 2024, the three activists - Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori and Kokila Annamalai - had led around 70 people to walk from a shopping mall to the presidential compound next door, to deliver letters to the prime minister urging him to cut ties with Israel. Photos of the procession show participants holding umbrellas printed with watermelons - a widely used motif for pro-Palestinian causes. The three women were charged in June 2024 for organizing a procession without a permit in a prohibited area. During their trial, the defence argued that the women had walked on public roads and did not know the route along the presidential compound was prohibited. (BBC)