Singapore’s government issued two advisories on Monday( Nov. 6 ) cautioning people against using foreign national symbols associated with the Israel-Hamas war and to exercise caution when assisting fundraising efforts.
This comes after authorities organizations issued a warning to foreigners residing or working in Singapore not to use the nation as an ally in their democratic endeavors.
In its advisory on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) stated that it was aware of clothing and other items with foreign national emblems associated with the conflict being sold online, worn, or displayed.
MHA stated that it was questioned about the steps that would be taken if such things were displayed or worn in Singapore, including by visitors looking to enter.
The Foreign National Emblems( Control of Display ) Act of 1949 prohibits the public display of unusual national flags without a permit, unless explicitly exempted, according to MHA.
This offense carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison, an S$ 500( US$ 370 ) fine, or both.
Given” heightened sensitivities ,” MHA advised against the public display or wearing of things related to the issue, noting that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war is an” emotive matter.”
It urged all visitors to Singapore’s gates to refrain from wearing or displaying such things, and it threatened to take legal action against anyone who disobeyed, including barring them from entering the country.
According to MHA,” promoting or supporting violence through the display of clothing or accessories that bear the logos of criminal or violent organizations, such as Hamas or its military aircraft Al-Qaissam Brigades, will not be condoned.”
” The peace and harmony in Singapore between various races and religions should not be taken for granted, and we must not allow external activities to have an impact on this peace or cooperation we have here.”