Activist Jolovan Wham faces 5 charges over taking part in illegal vigils for death row inmates
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Activist Jolovan Wham was charged with taking part in public assemblies on five occasions between March 2022 and April 2023.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – Activist Jolovan Wham was on Feb 3 charged over taking part in five candlelight vigils for prison inmates on death row.
The vigils were held between March 2022 and April 2023 for drug traffickers who were to be executed.
The Singaporean, 45, was handed five charges under the Public Order Act for allegedly attending public assemblies that were held without permits.
Three of these vigils were held in the vicinity of Changi Prison. He also allegedly attended candlelight vigils near a bus stop opposite Changi Women’s Prison on March 29, 2022, and at a playground near Mariam Walk on April 27 the same year.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Chong sought an eight-week adjournment for investigations to be completed.
He said there is no plea offer at the moment as Wham is still being investigated for five other cases. No details of these cases were provided. Wham’s case was adjourned to April 1.
Those convicted of taking part in a public assembly without a permit can be fined up to $3,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $5,000.
Nadine Chua is a crime and court journalist at The Straits Times.
