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Series Details

Policing Free Speech
02 February 2001

The Singapore Police Force has commenced official investigations into "Assembly Without Permit" at the Speaker's Corner for an activity held there in conjunction with International Human Rights Day on 10th Dec 2000. Read the Think Centre coverage!

Series Items
Police begins Human Rights Day investigations
Kevin Liew's Interview with the Singapore Police
Gomez Summoned by Singapore Police
Session Nos 1
Session #2
Organised Gathering at Speaker's Corner Illegal
 
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News
Session #1
(Think Centre)

11 February 2001
Gomez was questioned for three hours over an alleged assembly without a permit at Speaker's Corner on 10th December 2000, International Human Rights Day. Read the full report.
After session briefing
After session briefing
Upon arrival at 9.45 am James Gomez was informed by case officer Victor Keong that the reason for investigation was over a complaint letter published in TODAY newspaper and the session was to record a statement over the days' event. The statement was recorded by Investigation Officer Alvin Chong.

The questions at the session centred on personal details, organisation structure of the Think Centre, how Open Singapore Centre and Think Centre came about to organise the event (including the number of meetings, people involved and tasks that each individual and organisation was responsible for) and an enumeration of the actual day's events.

Principle points made during the questioning was:

1. The event organised on 10th December was similar to all previous sessions organised by Think Centre at Hong Lim Park.

2. Unlike indoor forums held in hotels, verbal and visual techniques are a necessary method of public speaking at an outdoor venue such as Speaker's Corner.

3. As far as public entertainment licence is concerned, Think Centre, knows where to apply for one and have applied for one where necessary. And in Speaker's Corner, it knows it is exempt from doing so.

4. It was added further if the notion of "gathering" was an issue in question then what constitutes a "gathering" needs to be defined. And if "gatherings" at Speaker's Corner require a permit, then the procedure and department where such applications can be lodged needs to be made clear. But if this is the case, Think Centre need no longer confine its activities to Speaker's Corner. It can organise outdoor speaking and "gathering" activities at other premises in Singapore upon application for the necessary licences.

5. Think Centre, remains committed to work with relevant authorities to promote and develop the usage of Speaker's Corner.

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