British journalist Alan Shadrake jailed for criticizing Singapore's death penalty

A respected British journalist has been sentenced to six weeks in prison and fined S$20,000 (£9,622) for publishing a book questioning the independence of Singapore's judiciary.

Alan Shadrake was jailed for “the offence of contempt by scandalising the court” following the publication of his book Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock.

Once a Jolly Hangman is the result of interviews with Singapore’s former chief executioner, former police offices, human rights activists and lawyers. Shadrake asserts in his book that those who are wealthy and well connected typically escape the death penalty whilst poorer and more vulnerable people are not so fortunate.

This did not go down well with the authorities in Singapore and following the launch of the book Shadrake was arrested and held for questioning for two days. Shadrake had to sleep on the floor of his cell and was only able to leave police custody when a local good samaritan put up S$10,000 (£4,809) for his bail.

Two weeks ago Shadrake was found guilty of insulting Singapore’s judiciary and this week received his sentence: The 76 year old who is suffering from health problems must serve a six week prison sentence, pay a fine of S$20,000 (£9,622) and pay legal costs of S$55,000 (£26,461). He has one week to appeal his sentence.

Alan Shadrake’s case highlights Singapore’s censure of freedom of expression and should draw further attention its appalling record on the use of the death penalty which, according to the Guardian, has resulted in more than 420 people being put to death since 1991.