Public hearing for the Little India Riot COI to start on Feb 19

SINGAPORE - The public hearing for the Committee of Inquiry (COI) into the Little India Riot will start on February 19 at 10am at the Subordinate Courts and continue on working days until further notification, said the COI in a press statement

Those who wish to make representations or give evidence are to notify the COI Secretariat at COI_secretariat@mha.gov.sg by February 5 with brief details on any evidence or documents they would like to present. They are also advised to confine their representations and evidence to the Terms of Reference of the COI.

Members of public are also welcome to attend the hearing.

Since the appointment of the COI on December 13, 2013, the COI team has met a number of times to discuss the work of the inquiry, including review of some of the evidence.

The COI also conducted voluntary interviews with 20 of the 57 foreign workers before they were repatriated.

An investigation team from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has also been appointed to conduct investigations into the possible causes of the riot on December 8, 2013, and other areas under the terms of reference.

The investigation team commenced investigations on December 26, 2013 and has, to date, spoken to various witnesses including Police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers, residents and shopkeepers in the Little India area, as well as the bus driver and time-keeper involved in the incident.

The findings will be presented to the COI Chairman and members at the public hearing.

Upon the conclusion of the public hearing, the COI will consider the evidence presented and thereafter submit a report of its proceedings, findings and recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs.