We are calling for compassion and justice in the case of 77-year-old Tan See Chee, who is facing a criminal charge after birds were released from an NParks crow trap.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/77-man-charged-crow-trap-nparks-5594516

Mr Tan is a Singaporean with no known history of legal trouble. Many who have heard about this case believe his actions may have been motivated by concern for the trapped birds — an act reflecting empathy and kindness, qualities we value deeply as a society.

This case touches on something more fundamental than legal classification. It raises the question of conscience — what a person feels compelled to do when encountering animals in distress. Acts driven by empathy and compassion speak to the best in us. They mirror values we teach our children, honour in our traditions, and cherish in our elders.

This petition does not ask the public to decide guilt or innocence. Instead, it calls attention to the importance of:

1. Understanding intent and context
2. Recognising the dignity of an elderly individual, and
3. Ensuring space for compassion in the justice system where there is no violence or personal gain
4. Society should not punish kindness. 
5. Many people may feel concerned that a 77-year-old man could face a serious charge for conduct that appears, on the surface, to reflect empathy rather than malice. It is precisely because the law is serious and fair that we must look carefully at these circumstances.

We therefore respectfully urge the Public Prosecutor to review this case in light of its compassionate context, and to consider withdrawing the charge against Mr Tan in the public interest — particularly given his age, intentions, and vulnerability.

We ask members of the public who share these concerns to join us in supporting Mr Tan’s access to legal representation, and in encouraging a compassionate review of this matter within the framework of Singapore’s laws.

Together, we can affirm the principle that justice and compassion are not opposites — they are partners.

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Ensure Access to Legal Representation
We urge members of the legal profession — especially those in criminal and public interest work — to consider stepping forward to assist Mr Tan.

He is currently facing a charge under Section 427(1)(b) of the Penal Code, a provision that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and rests upon the underlying concept of “mischief” under Section 425 — a technical area of law that may not be easy for an elderly person to navigate alone.

It is essential that Mr Tan does not plead guilty or make legal decisions without independent legal advice. Proper counsel will ensure he fully understands:

1. The nature of the charge
2. The legal elements it requires,
3. His rights and options, and
4. The consequences of any plea.

Access to counsel is a cornerstone of justice.

If you support Mr Tan’s right to legal representation and compassionate treatment, please sign and share this petition.

Those who wish to understand the legal issues more deeply may read on below. Otherwise, thank you for defending kindness and compassion.

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What We Are Asking For
1. Uncle Tan See Chee
If Mr Tan or anyone who knows him sees this petition, we respectfully invite him to contact Iris Koh / School of Social Justice so we can help him connect with lawyers and support networks. Our goal is simply to ensure he understands his options and has access to independent legal advice before making any decisions in court.

Contact:
Iris Koh www.facebook.com/iriskoh
Can send me a message there. 

2. Lawyers
We call on legal professionals to consider representing Mr Tan — pro bono, affordably, or in an advisory capacity — so he is not alone in this process.

3. Members of the Public
We invite everyone who shares these values to sign and share this petition as a stand for justice with compassion — especially for our elders.

4. Relevant Authorities
We respectfully ask that the broader context of this case — including age, intent, and compassion — be taken into account in a proportionate and humane manner.

Specifically, we ask the Public Prosecutor to consider whether continued prosecution serves the public interest in this case and whether withdrawing the charge may be a more proportionate, compassionate, and community-affirming response.

For those who feel called to join us, please sign and share this petition.

For those who wish to understand the charge and reasoning in more detail, please read on.
This reflects my understanding as a layperson.

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Understanding the Charge
Based on publicly available information, Mr Tan is accused of cutting cable ties on an NParks crow trap, leading to the release of birds. This has been interpreted as disruption to a public agency’s function.

However, Section 427 is not a standalone offence — it depends on establishing “mischief” under Section 425, which typically involves:

• permanent or significant damage to property,
• or diminishing its value or function,
• together with intention or knowledge of causing wrongful loss.
• Whether Mr Tan’s alleged conduct meets this definition is a matter for the courts.

Our purpose is not to decide outcomes, but to invite reflection on how the law should apply in cases involving age, intention, compassion, and conscience. 

What “Mischief” Means in Law — Why It Matters
In everyday language, mischief may mean harmless or playful behaviour. But in Singapore law, mischief refers to serious wrongdoing involving damage or loss.

This matters in Mr Tan’s case, because Section 427 can only apply if mischief is established first.

Members of the public may find it difficult to reconcile the idea of “mischief” — deliberate damage to property — with a situation involving compassion for trapped birds.

It is precisely for this reason that legal representation is essential.

Public Interest Review
We ask that this case be viewed through a public interest lens. This does not question the justice system — it strengthens confidence in it.

A public interest review helps ensure that:

• The law is applied proportionately,
• Intent is understood,
• Age and vulnerability are considered, and
• Justice remains humane and responsive.

Compassion for Those Who Show Compassion to others, even animals. 

This case resonates because it reflects something deeply human. Many believe that Mr Tan’s actions may have been driven by conscience and concern for trapped birds — a response rooted in empathy and care for life.

When individuals act from compassion rather than malice, society should be willing to respond with compassion rather than punishment alone.

Justice should not only uphold the law — it should reflect the values we cherish: compassion, dignity, and respect for life.

Conclusion
This petition is not against anyone — not NParks, the prosecution, or the courts.

It is for something:

• for access to justice,
• for dignity in old age,
• for clarity in the law,
• for compassion
• for conscience
• for our animals who also deserve right to life. 
  
  

Above all, we respectfully call upon the Public Prosecutor to consider withdrawing the charge against Mr Tan in recognition of the compassionate context of his actions and the disproportionate burden a criminal conviction may place on a 77-year-old man.

By supporting Mr Tan, we support the kind of society we want to live in — one where justice and empathy walk together.

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Signed,
Iris Koh
Healing the Divide and 
for the School of Social Justice
For a more compassionate society.

To Support School of Social Justice, you can get a copy of my book. 
www.silentroar.club