SDP questions why S’pore activist charged over candlelight vigils for executed drug traffickers, netizens argue that he broke laws

SDP concerned why activist faces charges over candlelight vigils for executed drug traffickers, calls it ‘draconian’

Singapore activist Jolovan Wham received four charges on Monday (7 Sept), including taking part in candlelight vigils for executed drug traffickers.

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) subsequently expressed concerns about the actions taken against “peaceful dissent”.

Activist charged for three candlelight vigils for executed men

According to The Straits Times, Wham allegedly took part in three candlelight vigils between Nov 2024 and Jan 2025.

The vigils were intended to mark the executions of three Singaporeans convicted of trafficking pure heroin. They are:

• 55-year-old Rosman bin Abdullah, executed on 22 Nov 2024.
• 35-year-old Masoud Rahimi bin Mehrzad, executed on 29 Nov 2024.
• 48-year-old Syed Suhail bin Syed Zin, executed on 23 Jan 2025.

No permits were granted for the vigils, which were held near Changi Prison.

Other than three charges for the vigils, Wham also received a charge for organising an assembly at the State Courts on 3 Feb 2025.

His fifth charge was over allegedly refusing to answer questions from a station inspector at the Bedok Police Division on 28 Nov 2024.

SDP criticises actions against activist attending candlelight vigils

On 6 Sept, SDP chairman Paul Tambyah wrote that the SDP had “deep concern” about police actions against Wham and another activist, Elijah Tay.

Regardless of one’s views over the death penalty for drug “mules”, citizens have the Constitutional right to peacefully express these views.

Dr Tambyah argued that gathering in a vigil to mourn the death of a person and to protest a “draconian law” cannot be a crime.

He pointed out that Singaporeans have a constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

The SDP then accused the People’s Action Party (PAP) government of narrowing this right over the decades through legislation.

Dr Paul Tambyah says peaceful dissent is sign of loyalty to Singapore

Dr Tambyah highlighted a “ridiculous example” involving Wham, who was previously convicted of illegal assembly for holding up a piece of paper while wearing a smiley-face shirt outside the State Courts in 2018.

In 2020, he was charged again for holding up a smiley-face sign, but not convicted.

Dr Tambyah argued that peaceful dissent is a way that “loving critics” express their loyalty to Singapore, and criticised the exertion of “mindless” control over young Singaporeans.

The SDP calls on the PAP to stop its oppressive ways and let the people live the quality of life they deserve and are entitled to.

Netizens debate issue, some say he broke the law

Commenters under Dr Tambyah’s Facebook post fiercely debated the situation.

One netizen argued that the “laws are clear”, and that Wham broke the law as defined.

Another user also framed their argument as Wham having broken the law. They expressed confusion at why Dr Tambyah seemingly could not understand.

Several others replied that Dr Tambyah’s opposition was against the strictness of the public assembly law itself.

A third commenter said that Singaporeans can support tough drug laws while believing others should be allowed to peacefully disagree with them.

“We don’t have to agree with Jolovan Wham or anyone else,” they stated.

“But disagreement itself shouldn’t be something we are afraid of. Surely Singapore is strong enough to allow different views to be heard.”

Also read: Man in S’pore appeals death penalty for drug trafficking saying he received more drugs by mistake, court dismisses appeal

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Jolovan Wham on Facebook and Facebook.