|
|
|
Diary
of the night vigil I
John Tan
23 Nov 06
The verdict was a
foregone conclusion. Milling outside the court room, some people
shook their heads in disbelief at the harshness of the sentences
for such a "small crime". Others expressed relief that
the maximum sentence was not invoked. The curial question,
however, is why anyone should be prosecuted at all for speaking
in public in a democratic society.
Dr. Chee Soon Juan is
being imprisoned for five weeks for speaking publicly at Yishun
during the last Singapore general election. His colleague, Mr.
Gandhi Ambalam, is being jailed for three weeks and his
supporter, Mr. Yap Keng Ho for 10 days.
At 7pm, outside
the Queenstown Remand Prison, a dozen of supporters gathered to
keep vigil for the three men. It was our expression of solidarity
with those who have been persecuted for exercising their rights
to free speech. As darkness fell, the entrance to the cold,
foreboding fortress was illuminated with the flickers of candles.
Dr. Chee’s wife and three lovely children arrived and
joined the group. Carrying a candle each, signifying the light we
need in these dark hours of our nation, we accompanied the three
prisoners of conscience till midnight.
A new supporter,
Mr. Leong, was visibly touched by the gathering. He expressed
admiration for our show of solidarity with our prisoner friends
and was glad he came to share the moment with us.
The
vigil-keepers found solace in each other. The mood was sombre,
yet hopeful. We even joked about belting out a few familiar tunes
in the hopes that our three friends will hear us. After all, it
is hope that sustains us and keeps us going along the road
towards genuine democracy for Singapore.
We intend to keep
the light burning for the next seven days as a symbol of our hope
for a free and democratic society. If you have similar hope and
aspiration for your nation, we invite you to join us outside the
Queenstown Remand Prison daily between 7 and 12pm.
Keep
vigil with the 3 prisoners of conscience
|
|
