International parliamentary body slams PAP over JBJ matter

The International Parliamentary Union (IPU), passed a resolution in March this year, censuring the PAP for its actions against J. B. Jeyaretnam. The resolution, which was the outcome of a report by the IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians stated in part:

– Stresses that freedom of speech constitutes one of the prinicipal foundations of parliamentary democracy;

– Affirms that in making the statement at an election rally found defamatory of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and others, Mr. Jeyaretnam merely exercised his right to freedom of speech;

– Considers that the sequence and timing of the defamation and bankruptcy proceedings brought against Mr. Jeyaretnam suggest a clear intention to target him for the purpose of making him a bankrupt and therefore removing him from parliament;

– Deeply regrets his removal from Parliament.

The complete text of the resolution can be found at
http://www.ipu.org/hr-e/170/Sin01.htm

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