Activist Kokila Annamalai to Face Charges for Defying POFMA Order

Activist Kokila Annamalai is set to be charged for her alleged non-compliance with a Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) correction direction. This development marks a significant moment, as Annamalai is reportedly the second individual to face charges under POFMA, following Jay Ish’haq Rajoo, who was charged with a more serious offense.

The case stems from comments Annamalai made on her Facebook and X accounts in October 2024. Authorities stated that these posts contained falsehoods, alleging that the government arbitrarily schedules executions without due legal process and that the state does not bear the legal burden for drug trafficking charges. A POFMA direction was subsequently issued on October 5, 2024, requiring her to post correction notices on her social media.

However, it is alleged that Annamalai failed to comply with this direction. She will now face one count of failing to comply with the POFMA direction without reasonable excuse. This case underscores the Singaporean government's firm stance on combating online falsehoods and enforcing its laws, even when applied to activists expressing views on sensitive topics like the death penalty.