A BRITISH journalist who wrote a book on the death penalty in Singapore made 'baseless' attacks against the country's judiciary, a government lawyer said on Monday at the start of his contempt trial.
At least 14 statements contained in Alan Shadrake's book constituted a direct attack on the judiciary, Ms Hema Subramanian, a lawyer from the Attorney General's Chambers, told the High Court.
She said the statements implied that Singapore courts succumb to political and economic pressure, are biased against the poor and are being used to suppress the government's political opponents.
In her opening argument, Ms Subramanian said the statements in the book constituted 'baseless, unwarranted attacks... that directly attacked the Singapore judiciary'.
She also described the allegations as 'outrageous and offensive' and were 'irresponsible'.
Shadrake, 75, is being tried for contempt of court for the allegations made in his book entitled Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock.
The offence is punishable by a jail term and fine.
Ms Subramanian said the book's title 'not just criticises but impugns the Singapore judiciary'. -- AFP