Six Singaporeans, including actors Lim Kay Siu and Neo Swee Lin and journalist Kirsten Han, were charged on Monday, September 28, 2026, for taking part in public assemblies. The charges stem from a February 2025 gathering at the State Courts and candlelight vigils at Changi Prison opposing the death penalty.
The defendants appeared in court on Monday, facing allegations of participating in public assemblies within prohibited areas without the necessary police permits. While most were charged over a single event, some face multiple counts related to separate vigils held in support of death row inmates.
State Courts Gathering and Changi Prison Vigils
Five of the six individuals—Lim Kay Siu, 70, Neo Swee Lin Winifred, 63, Kirsten Han (Han Li Ying Kirsten), 37, Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 38, and Howe Wen Khong Rocky, 31—were charged with taking part in a public assembly outside the State Courts on February 3, 2025. This area is designated as a prohibited zone. The gathering was held in support of abolishing the death penalty.
The remaining defendant, Ten Leu Jiun Jeanne-Marie, 56, was charged separately for attending two candlelight vigils outside Changi Prison on November 22, 2024, and November 29, 2024. Howe Wen Khong Rocky faced the most extensive list of charges, including the State Courts assembly and three candlelight vigils held at Changi Prison in November 2024 and January 2025.
Phua Chu Kang Actors and the Courtroom Scene
Among the charged are married couple Lim Kay Siu and Neo Swee Lin, veteran actors known for their roles in the long-running award-winning sitcom Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, which ran for eight seasons and starred Gurmit Singh. Lim played Frankie Foo, the business rival and former school friend of the titular contractor, while Neo played Phua Ah Ma, the mother of Phua Chu Kang. Lim has also worked on global projects, such as Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender where he portrayed Monk Gyatso, and he and his spouse have collaborated as a music duo in recent years.
The court appearance was marked by tension regarding dress codes. Security guards prevented some attendees from entering the State Courts because they wore shirts with slogans or political messages. Three individuals turned their T-shirts inside out to gain entry, while Howe was only admitted after changing his shirt entirely.
Bail Decisions and Legal Arguments
Lawyer Derek Wong requested that five of the defendants be released without bail or on personal bonds. Howe, who was unrepresented, made a similar request. However, District Judge Wong Peck set bail at S$5,000 for each defendant.
During the proceedings, Howe questioned the judge, stating that judicial discretion should be exercised lawfully. Judge Wong responded that he was exercising his discretion.
Prior Records and Police Warnings
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) stated that two of the six had been investigated and warned before these charges, while another two had been repeatedly involved in similar cases, though the police did not specify which individuals fell into each category.
Kirsten Han: In a statement issued on September 27, 2026, the police said Han had previously been given penalties including stern warnings and a 12-month conditional warning for her participation in a public procession at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in June 2024, and public assemblies without a permit in July 2017, March 2022, and April 2022. These penalties also covered obstruction of justice in March 2022 and April 2022.
Annamalai Kokila Parvathi: Previously fined S$3,000 and issued a 24-month conditional warning for unauthorized processions to the Istana in 2017, 2021, and 2024.
Howe Wen Khong Rocky: Faces three charges of participating in a public assembly without a permit. Police records indicate that Howe had been issued a stern warning for obstruction of justice in March 2022, as well as for comparable offences in April and March 2022.
Ten Leu Jiun Jeanne-Marie: Faces two charges of taking part in public assemblies without a permit on November 22 and 29, 2024. Separately, Ten was issued a stern warning on September 18, 2026, over the assembly held outside the State Courts on February 3, 2025, and another stern warning for Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam’s vigil in 2022. The warning regarding the State Courts assembly was issued ten days before her court appearance.
September 2026 Prosecution Wave
These charges are part of a broader series of legal actions taken in September 2026. Workers’ rights activist S Suraendher Kumarr was charged on September 25, 2026, for attending candlelight vigils near Changi Prison in November 2024 and January 2025, as well as the February 2025 State Courts assembly. Activist Jolovan Wham was also charged earlier this month over similar involvement in the State Courts gathering and Changi Prison vigils.
The defendants in the current case could be fined up to S$5,000 if convicted. All six cases involving the actors and activists have been adjourned until October 20.