19 July 2010

Alert

British author arrested, charged with defamation over book on death penalty


Incident details

Arrest, Charges laid

Alan Shadrake, Journalist
(SEAPA/IFEX) - A British author who was scheduled to promote his book on the death penalty in Singapore was arrested in the city state on 18 July 2010 over charges of defamation, media reports said.

"The Telegraph" said Alan Shadrake, who was in the city state to promote his book, "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock", was arrested two days after the Singapore government's Media Development Authority filed a police report.

Shadrake is also facing charges of contempt of court, "The Telegraph" said.

According to "The Straits Times", the 75-year-old freelance journalist's book contains accounts of high-profile cases in the city state involving the death penalty. Also included is an interview with Singapore's former executioner.

Singapore imposes the death penalty on crimes such as murder.

Source:

Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Unit 3B, Thakolsuk Place
No. 115 Terddumri Road
Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Thailand
seapa (@) seapa.org
Phone: +66 2 243 5579
Fax: +66 2 244 8749
 

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From other IFEX members

Detained British author denied access to lawyer in Singapore (SEAPA)

Updates to this story

British author Alan Shadrake freed and deported, status of his book remains unclear 15 July 2011 Appeals court upholds ruling against government critic 30 May 2011 CPJ condemns jail sentence against writer critical of death penalty 16 November 2010 Thirty IFEX members sign petition to Prime Minister Lee asking him to withdraw charges against Alan Shadrake 8 November 2010 British author convicted of contempt in Singapore court 4 November 2010 British journalist accused of contempt of court, released on bail 21 July 2010

Singapore

Activist filmmaker under investigation for organising event 17 October 2011 Opposition party under investigation for organising video conference with former detainees 11 October 2011 British author Alan Shadrake freed and deported, status of his book remains unclear 15 July 2011 Appeals court upholds ruling against government critic 30 May 2011 Opposition leader faces prison for conviction violating free speech rights 9 February 2011 See all alerts: Singapore


 
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