Singapore jails British writer for contempt

A Singapore court Tuesday sentenced a 76-year-old British author to six weeks in jail and a fine of $15,400 for contempt of court over his book deemed critical of the city-state's judiciary.

Alan Shadrake had offered a qualifiedpology during a hearing last week but said he will not disavow his book, "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock," which triggered Singapore's ire.

High Court Judge Quentin Loh, who had found Shadrake guilty of contempt of court earlier this month, ordered the author to spend six weeks in il and pay a fine of S$20,000 ($15,400).

The prosecution, representing the attorney-general's office, had demanded a sentence of 12 weeks.

Under Singaporean law, the crime is punishable by a fine and jail term, but the judge has the discretion to determine the exact penalty.

The attorney-general' office alleges that statements in the book impugn the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judiciary.

The case has once again highlighted complaints by critics who claim Singapore uses criminal defamation laws to silence critics. But the government says any statement that damages the reputations of its leaders will hinder their ability to rule effectively.