A BRITISH journalist who wrote a book on the death penalty in
Singapore made 'baseless' attacks against the country's judiciary,
a government lawyer said on Monday at the start of his contempt
trial.
At least 14 statements contained in Alan Shadrake's book
constituted a direct attack on the judiciary, Ms Hema Subramanian,
a lawyer from the Attorney General's Chambers, told the High
Court.
She said the statements implied that Singapore courts succumb to
political and economic pressure, are biased against the poor and
are being used to suppress the government's political
opponents.
In her opening argument, Ms Subramanian said the statements in
the book constituted 'baseless, unwarranted attacks... that
directly attacked the Singapore judiciary'.
She also described the allegations as 'outrageous and offensive'
and were 'irresponsible'.
Shadrake, 75, is being tried for contempt of court for the
allegations made in his book entitled Once a Jolly Hangman:
Singapore Justice in the Dock.
The offence is punishable by a jail term and fine.
Ms Subramanian said the book's title 'not just criticises but
impugns the Singapore judiciary'. -- AFP