Singapore: British author Alan Shadrake loses appeal

English PEN renews its call for the charges against British author Alan Shadrake to be dropped after his six week prison sentence for contempt was upheld by the Court of Appeal on 27 May 2011. An additional two weeks has been added to his sentence in lieu of a heavy fine. Shadrake is expected to begin serving his sentence on 1 June 2011. PEN considers Shadrake to be sentenced solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to free expression, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and on humanitarian grounds.
 
According to our information, Alan Shadrake was convicted by the high court in Singapore on 15 November 2010 for allegedly ‘scandalising the judiciary’ in his book Once a Jolly Hangman – Singapore Justice in the Dock. The book is a critique of the use of capital punishment in Singapore, alleging double standards and a lack of impartiality. He will also serve an additional two weeks’ imprisonment in lieu of a fine of 20,000 Singapore dollars (£10,000). According to Shadrake’s lawyer, his client’s jail term will most likely be reduced by a third for good behaviour.
 
Shadrake faces a further charge of defamation for the book, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. His passport is being held by the police. Shadrake, aged seventy-six, was arrested on 18 July 2010 after arriving in Singapore to launch the book, and released on bail two days later pending trial. He is in poor health, and is currently undergoing medical tests before beginning his sentence.
 
For further background on the case, please click here.

To read Shadrake’s interview with The Guardian, please click here.

TAKE ACTION

Please send appeals:

- Protesting the prison sentence handed down to writer Alan Shadrake for his book Once a Jolly Hangman;
- Expressing serious concern for his health;
- Calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and on humanitarian grounds.
 
Appeals to:

Office of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Orchard Road
Istana
Singapore 238823
Fax: 63328983/ 68356621
Email: lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg

Please also send appeals to the Singapore High Commission in London:

His Excellency Mr. Michael Eng Cheng Teo
Singapore High Commission
9 Wilton Crescent,
London
SW1X 8SP

Fax: 020 7245 6583
Email: singhc_lon@sgmfa.gov.sg