Ms Cheng Lujin and Ms Ng Chye Huay had been on a hunger strike for seven and four days, respectively, prior to the release. They plan to appeal their case to a higher court.

Ms Cheng said the police informed her on May 3 that she was free to go home. Later she realized her family had paid the fine on her behalf. Both Ms Cheng and Ms Ng said that paying for the fine was against their will. They said they did not commit any crime and should not have to pay for a fine. They hope the government can return the fine.

On May 1, Singapore-based Strait Times said that the two Falun Gong practitioners could be subject to more punishment because of their hunger strike. In Singapore, it is against the law to go on a hunger strike in jail. Their family members became increasingly concerned with the situation and decided to pay for the fine under pressure.

Ms Cheng and Ms Ng were charged with “Assembly without a Permit” and “Possession and Distribution of VCDs without a Certificate” because they clarified the facts about the persecution of fellow practitioners in China to tourists at the Esplanade Park.

On April 27, a Singapore court ruled that the women were guilty as charged and imposed a large fine on them. They refused to pay the fine and said they would appeal. The judge rejected the defense lawyer’s request for bail and said that the defendant would be sent to jail immediately if they did not pay the fine.

On the afternoon of April 27, a few hours after the ruling, the women were sent to Zhangyi Women’s Prison.

Such a judgment is rare in Singapore. The judge usually grants the defendants bail if the defendants intend to appeal the case to a higher court.

Ms Cheng said that the fundamental purpose for legislation was to uphold justice. Nobody with a sense of conscience and justice could ignore the brutal persecution of Falun Gong in China.

“Every one of us has the responsibility to help [the practitioners in China] and to call for an end to the persecution. This is a test for everyone. In the face of such cruelty, are we moved? The silence of the public gives the wicked people a license to commit crime, enabling them to persist in his wrongdoings. I think people must learn the truth and ask the government to stop this persecution. We’re using our limited money and time to tell others the facts. I think this is a noble act and should not be considered a crime.”

Since the day she was arrested, to protest the judge’s unfair judgment, Ms Cheng started to go on a hunger strike. Three days later, Ms Ng joined her in the fasting.

Ms Cheng said she refused to be wavered by any personal interest or threats. She still believes in the Singapore government.

“I believe there are a lot of people with a sense of justice and integrity. I don’t believe they would revoke my permanent residency rights because of this case.”

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