Singapore: Government Continues to Use Judicial
System to Stifle Political Opposition
Jailed Opposition Leader is Freed After 3rd Arrest on Anti-Free
Speech Charges
NEW YORK – Dr. Chee Soon Juan, a leading opposition politician
in Singapore, was released from a Singapore jail Saturday, Nov. 9.
Dr. Chee had been held for five weeks on charges stemming from a peaceful
May 1 rally he organized in front of the presidential palace.
The rally called for democratic reforms and the implementation
of fair labor practices for Singapore workers.
Dr. Chee’s arrest fits into a larger pattern of political
suppression in Singapore. In the last three years, Dr. Chee has
been in and out of jail three times as the authorities have tried
to stifle his ability to galvanize support for his views. Others
who have spoken out against the government, have also faced defamation
law suits, fines and jail.
“The law has been twisted in Singapore to serve those in
power and put a muzzle on those who speak out,” said Neil
Hicks, a spokesperson for Human Rights First.
“In cracking down on their critics, the government often
cites security concerns, but the goal of these repressive policies
is not a safer Singapore,” added Hicks. “The goal is
to severely restrict the amount of political space that Singaporeans
can operate in.”
Despite the crackdowns some democracy activists and opposition
politicians have vowed to continue to speak out. “You got
to let them [the authorities] know you’re willing to pay the
price and bear whatever it takes to win freedom for your country,”
Chee said as he left prison on Saturday.
A formidable array of legislation restricts the ability of Singaporeans
to enjoy fundamental human rights and deters independent voices
from advocating for democratic reforms and fair labor conditions.
For democracy to move forward in Singapore these laws need to be
repealed and the authorities must stop harassing those who seek
to promote human rights and their political beliefs peacefully.
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