Legal observers say the ruling, which has drawn interest given the city state’s strict regulation of public assemblies, reflects the evidentiary thresholds under its public-order laws and is consistent with court precedent.

District Judge John Ng ruled on Tuesday that the defendants had “an honest and reasonable belief” they were not violating regulations, and noted there was no signage indicating the route was part of a restricted area, according to local media reports.

He added that it was clear that the women had been “trying their best not to run afoul of the law” in delivering the letters, before acquitting the trio.

The case centred on a February 2024 walk involving more than 70 people who delivered letters to the Istana – the official residence and office of Singapore’s president – urging a reassessment of ties with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Some carried umbrellas decorated with watermelon patterns, a symbol often used internationally to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

They were trying to deliver the letters to then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, whose office was also located within the Istana, according to local media.