Stories about Singapore
Singapore’s The Online Citizen news website stops operating after government suspends its license
"The licensing regime is simply meant to strike fear in the minds of the would-be donors and subscribers to prevent them from supporting independent journalism in Singapore."
Singapore bloggers crowdfund defamation damages due to PM Lee Hsien Loong
"The contribution to the crowdfunding movement is an example of targeted resistance against the government's financially based persecution method against individuals."
Singaporean activist who staged a solo protest with a ‘smiley’ placard charged with illegal assembly
"I barely stayed in the area for more than several seconds. Yet, what I did has been deemed as a public protest by the State."
News website faces police probe in Singapore for boosting Facebook posts during elections
"We condemn the abuse of the law to harass independent media and critics. We denounce the lack of independence of the Singapore Elections Department."
Coronavirus and surveillance technology: How far will governments go?
''While surveillance technologies and measures may give the public a sense of security in controlling the spread of the virus, we must remain mindful and vigilant of their continued use after the pandemic subsides.''
Singapore prime minister sues independent news website for defamation
The prime minister is suing The Online Citizen over an article that tackled the leader’s public feud with his siblings.
What will it take to combat digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asia?
"Applied to the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, digital authoritarianism refers to how the internet has been weaponized in aid of existing authoritarian regimes."
Singapore parliament approves ‘anti-fake news’ law — will this curtail free speech?
The law gives broad, unchecked powers to government ministers to determine what online information is "false" and should thus be censored or corrected.
Facebook comment about throwing an egg at Singapore minister triggers police probe
"To be honest, I don't feel much regret. I feel it's a matter of freedom of speech, and that we have a right to voice such opinions."
Singaporean activist sentenced to 16 days in jail after hosting video chat with HK youth leader Joshua Wong
"There’s no sentence that I’d consider fair, because he should never have been charged."
Singapore government threatens critics and independent media with defamation claims
"How can a prime minister be offended by someone sharing a Facebook post?"
Will Singapore's plan to combat ‘deliberate online falsehoods’ stifle free speech?
"…the biggest threat to the stability and growth of the democratic process in Singapore is the government’s control of the media and information."
Netizen Report: Malaysia Outlaws ‘Fake News’ — Will Singapore Be Next?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Is Free Speech an ‘Empty Promise’ in Singapore? Activists Bristle After Police Detain Performance Artist
Under Singapore’s strict Public Order Act, a single person can be held liable for participating in an illegal assembly.
Southeast Asian Leaders Use ‘Fake News’ to Justify Tighter Media Laws and Intimidate Their Critics
Singapore plans to update its Broadcasting Act, Philippine House Speaker is proposing to regulate social media, and Cambodian officials are mimicking Donald Trump by calling unfavorable news "fake".
Justice as Usual, or Attack on Free Speech? Debunking Singapore’s Contempt-of-Court Bill
"Leaving people confused over what can or can’t be said will have a chilling effect, whatever the intention of the law, further entrenching a culture of self-censorship and passive citizenship."
Why Did Facebook Remove a Post Criticizing Singapore Police?
After police searched political activist and civil rights lawyer Teo Soh Lung's home and computer without a warrant, she posted about it on Facebook. Then her post was taken down.
Singapore Plans to Pull the Plug on Internet Access for Public Servants
"Computer security is important in the modern workplace, but it should not be an excuse to revert to dumb or blind practice."
Singapore Police Seize Computers, Demand Passwords From Advocates Over Facebook Posts
"I insisted I wanted to know my rights and whether it was legal for them to do what they were doing. They would not let me speak to [my lawyer]."
Jailed in Singapore For Criticizing a Former Prime Minister, But Still Blogging
"Everyday my cellmates would eagerly wait for that light to dissipate, knowing that another day has passed, and they’re one day closer to attaining their freedom."
