The following press release dated 24/11/2001 is by Singaporeans For Democracy or better known as SFD. Read on to find out what it's all about.
Authoritarian Singapore Government Arrests Internet-based Political Commentator:
The Singapore government has arrested a 51-year old man for 'allegedly posting inflammatory' articles in an internet 'newsgroup' (soc.culture.singapore) and a prominent Singaporean pro-democracy website (Singaporeans for Democracy) during the recent General Election held on the island state a few weeks ago.
Mr. Robert Ho, a retired ex-journalist with the Singapore Press Holdings,was arrested on Friday 16 Nov. 2001. He has been reportedly remanded to the Singapore Institute of Mental Health, and according to Dr. Chee Soon Juan (General-Secretary,Singapore Democratic Party), no one has been able to contact him since his arrest.
This is the first time a person has been criminally charged for sending an email and posting a story on a website, this is a first case for new draconian internet laws implemented by the government recently.
Our organization, 'Singaporeans for Democracy', is concerned for the well-being of Mr. Ho and the political motive behind the arrest.
'Our organization is more than aware of the ruthless and autocratic nature of the Singapore government'.
'Mr. Ho is a well-known web-based political commentator, and a regular writer on the popular newsgroup "soc.culture.singapore".
'His politically lucid and poignantly brave articles have obviously made him a political target'.
Mr. Robert Ho is allegedly responsible for posting one article which the state-controlled police claim was 'likely to lead to a breach of peace.
'The offending article entitled 'Break The Law And Get Away With It, Like PAP'basically gave a true and accurate account of an incident where sitting government politicians were allowed to flagrantly break electoral laws without impunity during the 1997 General Elections.
If convicted, Mr. Ho may be jailed for up to three years.
The Singapore government, under the tutelage of the People's Action Party (PAP and 'Senior Minister' Lee Kuan Yew has consistently curtailed basic democratic rights of Singaporeans.
Press and media restrictions have been made into law in this largely one-party state.
For more information, please contact Marc Rerceretnamon 0409-65 9095
