British author, Alan Shadrake, 76, was found guilty of contempt for scandalising Singapore’s judiciary system.
During the three day hearing last month, Deputy Senior State Counsel Hema Subramanian, told the High Court that at least 14 statements in the 219-page book entitled, “Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice In The Dock”, constituted a direct attack on the judiciary.
Ms Subramanian argued that those statements alleged or insinuated that the Singapore courts bowed to pressure from foreign governments, favoured the rich and privileged and were used as a tool by the ruling party to muzzle political dissent.
Summarising his 80-page judgement, High Court Judge Quentin Loh ruled that 10 of the 14 statements had scandalised the judiciary.
He noted the statements in Shadrake’s book insinuated that “judiciary in Singapore is not impartial and independent” and that judiciary decisions “are biased against the weak, poor and lower-educated”.
Judge Loh mentioned that Shadrake’s case was not about individual opposition against the death penalty and said that individuals can and have the right to air views on the death penalty in public.
The judge also highlighted that 6,000 copies of Shadrake’s books have been sold till this date and if left unchecked, those reading the book would believe in his claims and might lose confidence in the country’s administration of justice.
While Judge Loh has reserved sentence till next week, Shadrake faces a possible jail term, a fine or both for contempt of court...... P.S I didn't write finish the whole thing so you'll have to read at Yahoo News! Here is the website http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/03/british-author-guilty-of-insulting-spores-judiciary/ I'm sorry that it is troublesome.
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