Falun Gong trial takes extraordinary turns in Singapore

[Ms. Ng Chye Huay (L) and Mr. Erh Boon Tiong held a protest across from the Chinese Embassy in Singapore on July 20. (The Epoch Times)]
Epoch Times
September 4, 2006
SINGAPORE
By Jaya Gibson and Steven Smith

See Epoch Times for related articles

M RAVI, the lawyer representing Falun Gong practitioners Ng Huey Chuen and Erh Boon Tiong, appeared today in the High Court of Singapore to obtain a ruling on a Criminal Motion he filed yesterday against Judge Singh.

The Singapore police arrested and charged the protesters for writing on a banner: "Stop persecution of Falun Gong in China." The words according to the prosecution are insulting, because they believe the persecution of Falun Gong in China is untrue. Previously, cross examination had established that the Investigating Officer agreed that the words could not be insulting if the persecution was verified factually correct.

The motion cited breaches of his clients' constitutional rights to a fair trial. At the heart of the issue was the verifying of the persecution of Falun Gong in China and a UN report whose findings confirmed this. M Ravi felt Judge Singh had not facilitated proceedings to allow this exhibit to be admitted.

Present in the High Court were the accused, witnesses for the defence, the Deputy Public Prosecutor, government members, members of the press, police representatives, some 30 plus Falun Gong practitioners and some of the highest-ranking judges in the Supreme Court.

Ms Chen, who had been deported by the Immigration Department despite being acquitted and had to be subpoenaed to appear as a witness, was also present in court.

M Ravi began by summarising the persecution in China including evidence cited in the UN report in question, organ harvesting of live Falun Gong practitioners cited in David Kilgour and David Matas's report, Vice President of the European Parliament Edward Macmillan-Scotts' statement that he was in no doubt that this abominable practice of organ harvesting was indeed occurring in China and constituted genocide, the numerous court cases worldwide against members of the Chinese Communist Party involved in this persecution, and the 610 office set up in China solely to persecute Falun Gong.

M Ravi noted that Falun Gong practitioners' books were withheld at the Supreme Court security checkpoint pointing out this discrimination.

M Ravi also indicated he would hold members of the press accountable for misleading reports on this matter and would submit subpoenas which would be a matter for another court.

The High Court Judge ruled that the matter be looked at in a broader context and the Subordinate should resolve the issue itself thus denying the motion.

M Ravi then filed a subpoena against the Deputy Public Prosecutor which was not only refused by the subpoena judge but it was also ruled that he should apply to the Subordinate Judge; a first in Singapore legal history.

Proceedings continued at the Subordinate Court later that afternoon with Judge Singh instructing that the cross examination of the witness should continue despite a 3-hour delay due to Ravi's applications at the Court of Appeal and the Subordinate Court. In a shocking turn of events, M Ravi discharged himself for this trial stating that he had run out of resources and energy. He further recommended that his clients seek legal aid and other counsel. He further stated that while dismissed he would continue to be present in court and offer his counsel where possible and had many subpoenas to apply for. All in all it was an extraordinary day for the Singapore courts.

Singapore