SINGAPORE: Mr Li Shengwu, the grandson of Lee Kuan Yew and son of Lee Hsien Yang, has been found guilty of contempt of court and fined S$15,000.
If he does not pay the fine, he will have to serve a week's jail in default, said Justice Kannan Ramesh in his verdict on Wednesday (Jul 29).
Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney-General's representatives, who had pressed for the fine, noted that Mr Li had been notified of the hearing but did not turn up.
Mr Li, a Singapore citizen, is an assistant professor of economics at Harvard University and lives in the United States.
The Attorney-General had sought an order of committal for common-law contempt of court, under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, against Mr Li over a post on his Facebook page, said Justice Kannan.
The post was made in 2017 by Mr Li, the nephew of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Advertisement Advertisement It included a link to a New York Times editorial titled Censored In Singapore, and a description saying: "Keep in mind, of course, that the Singapore government is very litigious and has a pliant court system."
[h=3]READ: Contempt of court case: Li Shengwu should turn up for cross-examination if he has nothing to hide, says AGC[/h][h=3]READ: Li Shengwu says he will not 'continue to participate' in contempt of court case[/h]The Attorney-General's representatives had contended the post scandalised the judiciary by creating a real risk of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice in Singapore.
Mr Li initially took part in the proceedings, with lawyers representing him, but they discharged themselves in February this year, days after Mr Li said on Facebook that he would no longer participate in the proceedings.
Lawyers previously told CNA that a warrant of arrest may be issued if Mr Li is found guilty of contempt, and he can be placed under arrest if he returns to Singapore.
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