SINGAPORE — The first of the six charged for causing a public nuisance during a protest that clashed with a YMCA event at Hong Lim Park has been sentenced to a S$300 fine.

In sentencing Chua Siew Leng, 42, a district judge noted that her involvement in the incident was minor and took into consideration her early plea of guilt and lack of criminal antecedents. She could have been fined up to S$1,000.

Chua and five others, including activist Han Hui Hui and blogger Roy Ngerng, were charged after their Return Our CPF protest on Sept 27 last year disrupted a YMCA charity carnival. Demonstrators had marched three times around the general vicinity of the YMCA event while shouting loudly, waving Singapore flags and blowing whistles. The disturbance caused a furore among the public.

The court heard that the group, which was joined by at least 20 other people, became “more emotive” when Minister of State (Trade and Industry) Teo Ser Luck arrived at the park for the YMCA event that day.

Han and Ngerng each face an additional charge of organising a demonstration without approval, which carries a maximum fine of S$5,000.

A joint trial for the other five has been set on June 4 and 5. YVONNE LIM