Channel NewsAsia - 1 hour 5 minutes
ago
SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party Chief Chee Soon Juan and
his sister Chee Siok Chin will start their prison sentences for
contempt of court on 4 June.
The news comes one day before the deadline to appeal against
their sentences is up.
Their lawyer, M Ravi, said the Chee siblings have decided to
surrender to the High Court as they have not been able to raise
S$1,000 each for the appeal before the deadline on Thursday.
Dr Chee was sentenced to 12 days’ jail on Tuesday for contempt
of court, while his sister received 10 days.
These are believed to be the longest jail terms for contempt in
recent years.
The sentences came in the wake of the Chees’ conduct during last
week’s three—day hearing to assess damages to be paid by the
siblings for defaming Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Justice Belinda Ang had cited 15 instances where they
disregarded the court’s orders. — CNA/vm
