What happened: Singapore government charged an activist for staging a one-man protest without a permit over an incident in which he held up a sign bearing a crudely drawn smiley face outside a police station. Jolovan Wham was sentenced last year to a fine of Sg$5,000 (US$3,500) following a conviction for contempt of court — but he did not pay, meaning he must serve the short prison sentence instead.
Why he was protesting : He had alleged in his post that Singapore’s judiciary lacked integrity and independence in cases involving the government or politicians. Wham, who is also an advocate for migrant workers’ rights, appealed his conviction but it was dismissed by Singapore’s highest court.
I was summoned to Tanglin Police Division this evening, where I was informed I was being charged under the Public Order Act for participating in a one person assembly. I had held a smiley sign in support of 2 youth climate strikers who were investigated by the police.
— Jolovan Wham (@jolovanwham) November 19, 2020