Foreign Office Minister "dismayed" as writer is jailed for expressing his views in Singapore
British author Alan Shadrake was sentenced by a Singapore court to six weeks in prison on 16 November.
Speaking after the sentencing, Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne said:
“The government attaches importance to freedom of expression around the world. I am therefore dismayed that Mr Shadrake has been charged, convicted and sentenced to six weeks in jail in Singapore for expressing his personal views on the legal system.
“Our High Commission in Singapore will continue to provide consular assistance to Mr Shadrake, as they have done since he was arrested in July. We will continue to call on all countries, including Singapore, to recognise the right to freedom of expression as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“We place considerable value on our relations with Singapore and we work in close partnership on a number of globally important issues including the global economy, trade and investment, climate change and education. Human rights form an inherent part of our on-going dialogue and engagement.
“I look forward to constructive discussions when I visit Singapore next month, which I hope will serve to strengthen further the level of engagement and cooperation between our countries.”