Man charged
for demonstrating against S’pore judiciary
SINGAPORE — A 40-year-old man was hauled to court on Thursday
(April 14) for taking part in two demonstrations against the
Singapore judiciary in March and April this year.
On March 2, Yan Jun, a Singaporean, held placards stating “No
judiciary corruption in the Supreme Court of Singapore” in English
and “Protest against High Court of Singapore for miscarriage of
justice” in Mandarin at Istana Park at around 10am.
On April 13, Yan took part in a public assembly without a permit
at High Street Centre along North Bridge Road at 4.25pm. Again, he
displayed the placards with the same messages.
For demonstrating opposition to the actions of the Singapore
judiciary, he faces two charges under the Public Order Act.
He could also be fined up to S$5,000 for taking part in a
prohibited assembly at the Istana Park, and fined up to S$3,000 for
starting a public assembly without a permit. In both instances, Yan
was alone.
In 2014, Yan's appeal for a civil suit that he brought against
the Attorney-General - claiming damages of S$1,227,135 for wrongful
arrest, malicious prosecution and other reasons - was thrown out by
the apex court. His arrest dated back to July 19, 2009, when he was
arrested and detained for 21 hours due to a suspected breach of an
Expedited Order, taken by his wife against him. Later, it was
discovered that the Expedited Order - an urgent Personal Protection
Order - had been revoked by July 19.
In a district court on Thursday, Deputy Public Prosecutor Yang
Ziliang said that Yan could have a mental condition such as a
persecutory delusional disorder, and it was vital for him to be
assessed by a mental health professional.
"I want to know the grounds of such a request, and I have no
mental disorder," replied Yan, who insisted that the Istana Park
was a public - and not a private - place.
Yan will be remanded in the Institute of Mental Health till his
next hearing on April 28.
-- TODAYonline