13 Sept 06
Singaporean activist Mr Seelan Pillai has been arrested. The SDP can confirm that Mr Pillai, who started the 400 frowns campaign to counter the Government’s 4 million smiles project, is now under custody at the Clementi Police Station.
When contacted the police would not reveal anything more other than to say that Mr Pillai’s family has been informed of his arrest.
The activist’s arrest comes in the wake of unpopular decisions the PAP Government has been making to clampdown down on attempts to organise protests by local and international civil society groups.
Mr Pillai is also an animal rights supporter as well as a music artist. He has also taken part in anti-death penalty campaigns.
The Singapore Democrats registers its concern over the arrest and calls on the police to be forthcoming with information on what Mr Pillai is being arrested for. The SDP also states that Mr Pillai must be accorded all the rights of an arrested person, including the right to legal counsel.