AG delays release of video evidence

Singapore Democrats

The prosecution wants to use video footage as part of its evidence in the upcoming trial of the TBT 18 but it has refused to release the CD to the defendants until yesterday – three days before the hearing commences.

Lawyer and defendant Mr Chia Ti Lik had written to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on 8 Sep 08 to ask to view the video so that the defence can prepare its case. But the prosecution refused to reply.

One month later at a pre-trial conference, the defendants again asked to view the video evidence and reminded the AGC about the letter from Mr Chia Ti Lik.

The judge then asked the prosecution to expedite the matter and get the video ready for viewing as quickly as possible. The AGC still refused to budge and continued dragging its feet for another two weeks before releasing it yesterday.

This gives the defendants little time to analyse the material and prepare their cross-examination of the police witnesses. The hearing starts this Thursday in Subordinate Court No 5 at 9:30 am.

To put matters in perspective, the AG had made the video evidence available months before the commencement of the trial involving Dr Chee Soon Juan’s speaking in public. Why the delay in this present case?

Why must the AGC resort to such delaying tactics to disadvantage the defence? It says a lot about how the Government goes about making its case and upholding justice.