Roy Ngerng, Han Hui Hui and 4 others charged with public nuisance

SINGAPORE - Bloggers Roy Ngerng and Han Hui Hui along with four others have been charged on Monday for public nuisance.

According to The Straits Times, the four other accused are Low Wai Choo, 54; Chua Siew Leng, 42; Goh Aik Huat, 41; and Koh Yew Beng, 59.

Han, 23, and Ngerng, 33, were also charged with allegedly organising a demonstration without approval, added The Straits Times.

The duo were seen dressed in white as they appeared in court with their lawyer, M Ravi, the rest of the accused, and their friends and supporters.

The six appeared to be composed and were even seen chatting with their friends, according to The Straits Times.

Mr Ravi told reporters that his clients were initially anxious but became "much calmer" after they have been briefed on the law.

In court, he requested for more information to be shared by the prosecution via a pre-trial Criminal Case Management System, said The Straits Times.

As Mr Ravi's request was met with no objections by Public Prosecutor John Lu, the case has been adjourned for a pre-trial conference on Nov 24.

The six individuals are accused of allegedly disrupting a YMCA charity carnival which was held at the same time as their Return Our CPF protest rally organised by Han and Ng on Sep 27.

The group reportedly encroached on the YMCA event by shouting loudly, chanting slogans and waving flags and placards. They were also seen blowing whistles and beatings drums.

Their rowdy actions upset the special needs children who were performing on stage.

The maximum penalty for public nuisance is a $1,000 fine. For planning a protest without a permit, the maximum penalty is a $5,000 fine.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg