Indonesian helper acquitted of theft in Singapore proceeds with complaint against prosecutors
- The high-profile case of Parti Liyani sparked public outcry in Singapore, raising questions about her trial and the evidence-gathering process
- She was given two weeks to make a decision on whether to begin disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutors
The migrant workers’ group has been providing Parti with lodging, food and financial assistance since 2016, as she was not allowed to work after being charged.
Indonesian helper gets 2 weeks to decide on case against Singapore prosecutors
The high-profile case sparked public outcry, raising questions about how her trial was conducted and if there were issues with the evidence-gathering process.
Two weeks ago, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon directed her lawyer, Anil Balchandani, to tell him if Parti wanted to continue with her bid to begin disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutors.
The Chief Justice noted after a closed-door hearing on October 1 that Parti’s mind was torn between going forward with it and returning home to Indonesia. He granted a two-week adjournment on the matter.
Balchandani said during the hearing that his client “has been somewhat overwhelmed by the events of the past month”.
Although she wished go home after four years in Singapore, she believed the prosecutors should answer the allegations she raised in her affidavit, he added.
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In June, before her acquittal, Parti filed an originating summons in a bid to begin disciplinary proceedings against Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) Tan Wee Hao and Tan Yanying.
They had prosecuted her in the State Courts, where she was convicted and sentenced to 26 months’ imprisonment.
The originating summons was filed under Section 82A of the Legal Profession Act which governs disciplinary proceedings against legal service officers or non-practising solicitors.
The Chief Justice can appoint a disciplinary tribunal if he grants leave for investigations to be conducted into the misconduct complaint.
The tribunal will submit its findings to the Chief Justice who can either dismiss the complaint or order the legal service officers to be punished.
During the closed-door hearing earlier, a representative from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) said they will not object to a tribunal investigating the matter as it would give the prosecutors a chance to fully explain themselves. The AGC, Supreme Court and Balchandani did not respond to requests for comment.
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Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam is also expected to make a ministerial statement in November after reviews by the police and the AGC of Parti’s case are completed.
Read the original story at Today Online
