Singapore convicts death penalty author

SINGAPORE, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The British author of a book criticizing Singapore's use of the death penalty faces a prison term there for contempt of court, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Alan Shadrake's book, "Once a Jolly Hangman," was found to have "scandalized the judiciary," Amnesty International said.

Shadrake is scheduled for sentencing Tuesday and could be fined, imprisoned or both.

Justice Quentin Loh said Shadrake would have the option of apologizing for misstatements, The Wall Street Journal reported. The judge did not say he would waive the sentence if he does so.

Shadrake's lawyer said prosecutors want both a short jail sentence of three to six months and a fine.

The death penalty, carried out by hanging, is imposed in Singapore for murder and serious drug offenses. Shadrake, in his book, charged that the rich and those with good connections can influence the courts.

"This judgment creates a chilling effect on freedom of speech, for Singaporeans and foreigners alike," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Director for the Asia-Pacific.