AGC defends the law of contempt, says it exists to protect public confidence

Singapore's Attorney-General's Chambers, or AGC, says the law of contempt exists to protect public confidence in the administration of justice.

This was contained in a statement defending the contempt of court laws today in relation to the posting by blogger Alex Au on the blog, Yawning Bread. 

Two weeks ago, the AGC had informed Mr Au, that a post he had written in June about the Woffles Wu case was in contempt of the court. 

Mr Au removed the post and apologised. 

But on Sunday, Mr Au wrote a fresh blog post questioning the use of contempt of court laws. 

In its response, the AGC said that accusations of bias diminish in the eyes of the citizen, lower it, and ultimately damage the nation. 

It said such accusations can occur frequently, with the judges not being able to respond. 

That is why confidence in the administration of justice needs to be protected from such allegations. 

And for that reason, AGC took steps in respect of Mr Au's post of 18th June. 

AGC said Mr Au deliberately misrepresented the facts, and then accused the court of being biased, on the basis of his false facts. 

The AGC said it is misleading of Mr Au to now allege that the laws on contempt prevent debate and curtail free speech without acknowledging what he has done. 

AGC added that where parties to a case feel that a judge has committed misconduct, avenues are available to raise the issue, and have it determined within the Court system.