Dissident faces repeated imprisonment

Dissident faces repeated imprisonment

Singaporean opposition critic Dr. Chee Soon Juan is facing more time in prison for his human rights activism.

via Amnesty International

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.

ENDS

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