Asia-Pacific News
British author charged with defamation released on bail
Jul 20, 2010, 5:55 GMT
Singapore - Singapore released a British author on bail Tuesday, pending investigation on criminal defamation charges for a book he wrote on the death penalty in the city-state.
The Home Affairs Ministry said Alan Shadrake, 75, has also been charged with contempt of court in the Attorney General's Chambers.
'His anti-death penalty views are not the issue in these investigations; it is his violation of the laws of Singapore,' a ministry statement said.
Shadrake wrote a book titled Once A Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice In The Dock, including interviews with former executioner Darshan Singh.
'The Singapore government's position on the issue of capital punishment is not new. Those who disagree with our position have presented their arguments and as a matter of principle, we respect their right to hold such opposing views, as we hope they do ours.'
Shadrake told reporters that his passport was impounded to prevent him from leaving Singapore until the case is resolved.
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