Cartoonist Leslie Chew apologises for contempt of court

SINGAPORE- Cartoonist Leslie Chew Peng Ee, who was facing contempt of court charges, has apologised for scandalising the judiciary.

In a statement released through his lawyers on Tuesday, Mr Chew accepted that there were four comic strips published by him that "scandalised the judiciary"here. Some of the comics were entitled "Justice is dead", and all four were posted on Chew's Facebook page between July 2011 and June 2012.

The case against Mr Chew was due to be heard in the High Court next Monday. "I accept that (the) comic strips had misrepresented to the public that the Singapore Judiciary administers differential treatment to individuals based on their nationality, social status and political affiliation, and that there have been specific criminal cases in which decisions were made by the Singapore judiciary on the basis of the above factors rather than on the merits," he said.

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said that in light of his apology and undertaking, as well as the fact that the offending comic strips have been taken down, they will not proceed with the contempt of court charges. "All members of the public should note that the Attorney-General's Chambers will take firm action to protect the administration of justice in Singapore, and uphold the integrity of the Judiciary. Where appropriate, such action will include the commencement of proceedings for contempt," added a spokesman.

Go to Singapolitics for more stories.