AG asks for substantial fine against Dow Jones Publishing in contempt case
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 04 November 2008 1801 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The Singapore attorney general's contempt of court proceedings against The Asian Wall Street Journal (AWSJ) opened in the High Court on Tuesday.

Attorney General Walter Woon said laws against contempt of court are not a restriction on freedom of speech or expression.

At the centre of the proceedings are two articles and a letter in the AWSJ which, the attorney general argued, impugned the impartiality, integrity and independence of the Singapore judiciary. The articles appeared in June and July this year.

Professor Woon said the right to criticise does not give anyone the licence to make irresponsible accusations against the judiciary.

He said many of the AWSJ's readers are "opinion-shapers", and the intent of the articles is clear - that is to influence their opinion against Singapore's courts and judiciary.

Senior Counsel Philip Jeyaretnam, representing the AWSJ, gave his client's interpretations of some words cited for contempt in the articles.

The attorney general also addressed the issue of sentencing during his submission. He said if the Dow Jones Publishing Company is found guilty of contempt, then a substantial fine be imposed so that a strong signal is also sent to others.

The case was heard before Justice Tay Yong Kwang. Justice Tay has reserved his judgment till November 25.

- CNA/ir