CSJ
to police: If you are sincere about security, let's talk
11
September 2006
To: Singapore
Police Force
Public Affairs Department
I
refer to your statement dated 10 September 2006.
You
write that the rally and march for which I made an application
for 16 September 2006 include "sensitive buildings"
which could "disrupt and compromise [y]our security
arrangements."
If
that is the case I suggest that we sit together and work out a
plan that would be acceptable to both parties, that is, an
itinerary that would help to alleviate your concerns about the
security arrangements while at the same time allow Singaporeans
to conduct the rally and march unmolested by you.
I
am perfectly happy to discuss with you our route for the march
and, if need be, find an alternative that could avoid these
"sensitive buildings."
What
you are not allowed to do is to issue a blanket ban on the right
of citizens of this country to exercise our freedoms of speech
and peaceful assembly.
If
you are sincere about security arrangements and not merely doing
the bidding of the PAP, then let us meet and work out the
details.
Sincerely,
Chee
Soon Juan
Police Statement: Chee Soon Juan
distributing pamphlets at Raffles City
http://www.spf.gov.sg/mic/2006/060910_distribute_phamplet.htm
In
response to information from the public at about noon on Sunday
10 Sep 06, Police officers arrived at Raffles City and observed
that a group of persons were in possession of stacks of pamphlets
and were handing out these pamphlets to members of the public.
One of these persons was identified to be Chee Soon Juan. These
pamphlets urged the public to take part in an outdoor rally and
stage a march on Sat 16 Sep 06 from Speaker's Corner. The Police
seized these pamphlets and investigations have been
initiated.
The
Police have announced and reiterated that outdoor demonstrations
and processions will not be allowed during the IMF/WB Annual
Meetings (S2006) period. This applies to locals and foreigners
alike. Such activities can undermine the security arrangements
the Police have put in place to ensure the safety and security of
Singaporeans, IMF/WB delegates and visitors during the S2006
period. Chee's application for a permit to stage his outdoor
rally and march was rejected by the Police on 23 Aug and again on
28 Aug. This has been communicated to him. However, Chee has not
only left his earlier posting about the application on the SDP
website, but has added new postings, including one giving details
of the 16 Sep rally and march and urging the public to
participate in this activity.
The pamphlets
distributed by Chee and others today make reference to these web
postings calling for people to participate in the assembly and
march on 16 Sep 06 from Speaker's Corner towards Parliament
House, Suntec City and Istana, which are sensitive buildings and
could disrupt and compromise our security arrangements,
particularly during the IMF/WB Annual Meetings period when we are
on high alert. The Police would like to remind the public and
visitors that Chee's planned outdoor rally and march as conveyed
in the pamphlet is unlawful and anyone participating in it would
be committing an offence.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
10 Sept 2006 @ 6.10 pm
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