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SINGAPORE: Three Singaporeans have been held in contempt of court for appearing at the Supreme Court building in May wearing T-shirts showing a kangaroo in a judge's gown.
Appearing before Justice Judith Prakash on Monday, the men were given an opportunity to apologise for their actions, but refused to do so.
Due to be sentenced on Thursday, 19-year-old Muhammad Shafi'ie Syahmi Sariman, 33-year-old Isrizal Mohamed Isa and 47-year-old John Tan Liang Joo could be facing fines or even jail time for contempt of court.
In court, Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Chan Wah Teck said the action by the three was the worst form of insult when they branded Singapore's justice system as a 'kangaroo court' by wearing T-shirts with a kangaroo dressed in a judge's robe.
'Kangaroo court' is usually understood as being a court characterised by irregular procedures or sham proceedings.
Addressing the court, Tan told the judge he had worn the T-shirt in May to express criticism over the quality of justice meted out and he hoped the judiciary would improve from strength to strength.
Justice Prakash then asked if that was meant as an encouragement, to which Tan replied that it was "in a way, to point out weaknesses in the system".
At the time of the incident, the three had been outside the Supreme Court building where a hearing had been taking place to determine damages that Singapore Democratic Party leader Chee Soon Juan and his sister Chee Siok Chin had to pay.
The Chees had been sued for defamation by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
- CNA/so
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