Thread: The "Singapore" Model of Justice

Singapore police have arrested the British author of a book about the city-state's use of the death penalty.

Alan Shadrake, 75, is being detained on criminal defamation charges which carry a two-year prison sentence.

However, the government says the book - which includes an interview with a former hangman - has not been banned.

The death penalty is mandatory in Singapore for murder, treason, drug trafficking and other crimes.

Officials say it has been a key factor in keeping the crime rate low.

Human rights monitors have long criticised the government however for using defamation suits to stifle political opposition.

Separately, Singapore has banned a movie made by a local film-maker about a human rights activist, saying the film was not in the public interest.

Source: BBC

Singapore is one of the more-developed and wealthier pockets of the world; yet many in the west argue that arcane justice treatments are still in practice. While the death penalty remained the cliché topic in the US, Singapore sees no debate. The man clearly broke a law, whether the law is 'right' or not isn't important— he knew there'd be trouble.

Recently, however, many have compared the Singapore model as one that China/Vietnam may follow; one of market-reforms that still keep in line with government regulation; but of course, a strict society based heavily on corporal punishment, heavy fines, and censorship.

Thoughts?