Singapore opposition leader Pritam Singh stands trial for alleged lies under oath

The landmark trial of Singapore’s opposition leader, who stands accused of lying during a parliamentary committee inquiry, began on Monday.

Pritam Singh, 48, is at the centre of a controversy stemming from former MP Raeesah Khan’s misleading claims to parliament in August 2021 about accompanying a rape victim to a police station.

The Workers’ Party secretary general faces charges related to his testimony during hearings held in December 2021, when he is accused of providing false statements regarding his interactions with Khan, a former party member.

The trial is the first of its kind in the city state.

Singh, a trained lawyer who has been a member of parliament since 2011, pleaded not guilty on Monday to the charges, which carry penalties of up to S$7,000 (US$5,360) in fines, three years in prison, or both.

Former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan was fined S$35,000 for her role in the saga after admitting to lying in parliament. Photo: Handout

Central to the accusations is his alleged deception concerning instructions given to Khan about rectifying her false statements in parliament.

Темы и теги

Сингапур Происшествия и Катастрофы

Притам Сингх Сингапурский подозрительный ложь оппозиционный лидер суд выступление оппозиция парламентский