http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/3-interna…
IBA gravely concerned by conviction and
sentence of Dr Chee Soon Juan
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
IBAHRI
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
(IBAHRI) is gravely concerned about the recent ruling of the
Singapore High Court, in which Dr Chee Soon Juan’s conviction for
speaking in public without a permit was upheld. The IBAHRI believes that Dr Chee, leader of the Singapore
Democratic Party (SDP), has been the target of repeated attempts by
Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) to stifle his
opposition views and prevent him standing for parliament.
On 20 January 2011, Judge Steven Chong in the High Court,
sentenced Dr Chee to a $20,000 fine which would have been commuted
to a prison term of 20 weeks in the event that it had not been paid
by 10 February. SDP supporters raised and
paid the fine. However, the IBAHRI is gravely
concerned that the ruling PAP party has
passed and continues to enforce unlawful domestic legislation which
prevents the open political discussion necessary to ensure a
democratic society. Of particular concern to the IBAHRI are the Public Entertainment and Meetings Act,
Public Order Act and the Miscellaneous Offence Act. Section 2(1) of
the latter, makes it illegal to conduct any activity without a
permit if it: (a) demonstrates support for, or opposition to, the
views and actions of any person; (b) publicises a cause or
campaign; or© marks or commemorates any event.
The IBAHRI understands that the government
has repeatedly stated that no permits will be given for outdoor
political events and believes that the government refuses permits
and/or prosecutes those groups which challenge or oppose it.
Furthermore, under section 45 of Singapore’s Constitution, a person
who has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to a fine of at
least $2,000 is not eligible to stand for Parliament.
Singapore has not ratified the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, which formally guarantees the right to
freedom of expression. However, the IBAHRI
believes that Singapore remains bound by international customary
law such as such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR). Under Singapore’s own domestic law, Article 14(1) of the
Singapore Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of speech,
assembly and association.
The IBAHRI contends that Singapore should
abide by recognised international standards on freedom of
expression, as set out in the 2008 IBAHRI
Report: Prosperity versus individual rights? Human rights,
democracy and the rule of law in Singapore. The Singapore
Government’s reluctance to accede to international standards on
freedom of expression is unacceptable. In response to the recent
Singapore High Court ruling on Dr Chee, the IBA’s Executive Director, Mark Ellis said: ‘When
Singapore’s restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and
association are read in conjunction with its constitutional rules
for parliamentary candidates, it appears that the government is
attempting to silence its critics. This is achieved through a
combination of legislative restrictions on freedom of expression
and assembly, the routine denial of permits and selective
prosecution of political opponents. The IBAHRI deplores Dr Chee’s convictions and urges the
Singapore Government to issue a pardon to Dr Chee and to continue
to work towards adopting recognised international standards on
freedom of expression.’
http://www.ibanet.org/Article/Detaaspx?ArticleU…
Be Our Supporters
http://www.facebook.com/yoursdp