Nobel gesture: Singapore’s longest-held political prisoner Chia Thye Poh nominated for Peace Prize
Chia was imprisoned for 23 years under the Internal Security Act
Singapore dissidents said on Saturday they had nominated the city state’s longest-held political prisoner for the Nobel Peace Prize to highlight his role in the fight for greater political freedom.
In a symbolic announcement nearly seven months after the death for former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, activists said they hoped the nomination of his old foe Chia Thye Poh would open the door for a reassessment of Singapore’s history and the role dissidents played.
Bangkok University professor James Gomez said he nominated Chia in January and had been given confirmation it had been received and registered.
The Nobel selection committee traditionally does not disclose the names of nominees.
However, speculation has mounted that this year’s award – to be announced on October 9 – could go to German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her leadership during Europe’s refugee crisis.