SINGAPORE, July 7 -- Singapore's Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim has urged the public to stay respectful in the face of differing views, as three pro-Palestinian activists stand trial for allegedly organising an unauthorised procession outside the Istana last year.

Speaking after Friday prayers at the Muhajirin Mosque on July 4, Faishal emphasised that the women involved were not charged for their beliefs but for carrying out a procession in a prohibited area.

"In Singapore, everyone has the right to hold and express their views, including on humanitarian issues," he said, as reported by Mothership today.

"They would have been charged even if the procession was organised to support any other cause."

Faishal...