A court in Singapore has acquitted three women who organised a walk to the presidential office to show support for the Palestinian cause.

The women were prosecuted for organising an illegal procession. But a judge ruled their actions did not meet the full charge.

One of the women told the BBC she felt that the unexpected acquittal would "give a new sense of energy and hope" to activists in Singapore.

Public demonstrations are uncommon in Singapore, which has very strict rules against protests and requires a police permit for any gathering promoting a cause. Authorities have also effectively banned public gatherings related to the Israel-Gaza war.

Any permit applications for public assemblies related to the Israel-Gaza war would be turned down because of the "real risk that such events could give rise to public disorder", as the war was a sensitive topic, authorities have said.