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Dissident faces repeated imprisonment

Amnesty International is asking for your support to help prominent Singaporean opposition critic and human rights defender Dr. Chee Soon Juan who is facing a prison term or heavy fine. In recent years, Dr. Chee has lost his university post, served seven prison terms and has been banned from contesting parliamentary elections.

He was convicted on two counts under the Public Entertainment and Meetings Act for speaking in public without a permit during the 2006 election and was sentenced in September 2008 to a total of S$10,000 or 10 weeks in jail. Dr. Chee points out that the Singapore Constitution guarantees his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and is appealing the sentence.

He has spoken out about punitive action taken against peaceful anti-Iraq war protesters, Falun Gong practitioners critical of the Chinese government, anti-death penalty activists, Human Rights Day marchers, and the gay and lesbian community.

Amnesty International is concerned about the Singapore government's misuse of laws such as the Defamation Act to curb freedom of expression and penalise anyone who criticises the ruling People's Action Party, creating a climate of fear. Also, a law enacted earlier this year limiting freedom of assembly and political gatherings was seen as targeting opposition voices.

Please write to Singapore's President:
His Excellency S.R. Nathan
Office of the President
Istana, Orchard Road
Singapore 0922
Fax: + 656 735 3135
s_r_nathan (@) istana.gov.sg
Salutation: Your Excellency

For more information, please contact: Margaret John, Coordinator for Singapore and Malaysia at Malaysiasingaporecoordinator (@) amnesty.ca or visit:
Singabloodypore