Update: New York Times Coverage of Chee Trial in Singapore
By Daniel Hollingsworth
May 30, 2008 | Printer Friendly

A May 30 article in the New York Times details the legal battle between Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and member of the Nongovernmental International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies (ISC/CD), reflecting a growing international awareness of the case.  For additional details, see CCD’s May 28 report, “Singapore Opposition Leader Questions Current and Former Prime Minister in Court.”

The New York Times writes, “Mr. Lee [Kuan Yew], 84, has often used the battlefield of the courtroom and the weapon of the libel suit to keep opponents quiet. But this week, for the first time, he was forced to face one of his critics in court… It was an extraordinary confrontation between the country’s most dominant figure and a powerless but insistent adversary… In the end, the point of contention was the price in political and civic freedoms that Singapore has had to pay for its prosperity.”

Chee’s challenges continue – “Because of his vigorous behavior during the hearings this week, he has been charged with contempt of court. He is scheduled for a hearing on that charge on Friday and could face a term in jail.”

CCD will continue to monitor events in Singapore and report on any further developments in the case.

Reference:

New York Times: Power and Tenacity Collide in a Singapore Courtroom