The Straits Times last Saturday reported that the defendant in
the Kallang River murder case was not allowed access to his lawyer,
who has not seen him since his arrest.
This is totally unacceptable in most civilized societies. Everyone
must be presumed innocent till proven guilty in a court of law.
During investigations, anything the accused person might say can be
used against him in court and therefore it is only reasonable that
he should have access to a lawyer during investigation. Without
that safeguard, police can resort to pressure tactics, misleading
questioning, enticement, even torture so long as no telling marks
are left behind. I agree with the defence lawyer: the brutality of
the crime is immaterial--every defendant must be entitled to full
legal representation.
Singapore courts are renown for their efficiency; but not, I dare
say, for justice.
