JOINT STATEMENT: SINGAPORE MUST STOP TARGETING HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS AND MEDIA THAT HIGHLIGHT INJUSTICE AND WRONGDOINGS
2 FEBRUARY 2020
On 2 February 2020, Manushya Foundation joined 36 international organisations as well as 3 individuals in a joint statement urging Singapore to stop targeting human rights defenders and media that highlight injustice and wrongdoings.
In the statement, the 37 signatories call for Singapore to recognize the use of unlawful and unfair practices in its execution method, as it was highlighted by a media statement issued by the Malaysian Human Rights Defender group, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL). Singapore claims that it is "untrue, baseless and preposterous"and invoked the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to issue notices/directions ordering Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and three parties that have shared the allegations - Singaporean activist Kirsten Han, The Online Citizen website and Yahoo Singapore - to correct the false statements.
The signatories therefore call on Singapore to:
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immediately and unconditionally withdraw that notice/directions and internet access blocking orders pursuant to Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) that were directed at Lawyers For Liberty, Kristen Han, The Online Citizen, Yahoo Singapore and/or any other;
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ensure an independent and thorough investigation be conducted concerning allegations of unjust and barbaric practices that allegedly happen during the hanging of persons in Singapore;
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respect Human Rights Defenders and media agencies, and not to stifle them from carrying out their responsibility and duty to highlight allegations of human rights violations and injustices; and
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abolish the Death Penalty.