Author Alan Shadrake arrested for “alleged criminal defamation” (Update 8))

UPDATE 8: Lianhe Wanbao reporter’s tape recording of book launch is believed to have been seized by the police. When contacted by TOC, the reporter  – Ms Koh Hsingyu – declined to comment.

UPDATE 7: Alan Shadrake presents himself at 11am on 22 July, Thursday, for further interrogation by the police.

UPDATE 6: Alan Shadrake was interrogated by the police for 11 hours on Tuesday, 20th July. He has been released on S$10,000 bail.

UPDATE 5: British news reports: The Telegraph. The Guardian.

UPDATE 4: News reports: Asian Correspondent. Sydney Morning Herald.

UPDATE 3: British Foreign Office seeking more information from Singapore authorities about arrest of Shadrake.

UPDATE 2: Mr M Ravi is acting as lawyer for Shadrake. Mr Ravi has written to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the investigating officer to request access to his client. In his letter, Mr Ravi said: “We humbly and urgently request access to our client to take his instructions on the above matter and advise him on his legal rights. Kindly expedite our request as our client is 75 years old and has medical conditions.”

UPDATE 1: According to CNA, Shadrake was arrested at 8am Sunday morning. As of 8:12pm, he is still in police custody. There is no information on when or whether he will be allowed bail. We understand that friends of Shadrake have been trying to reach the British High Commissioner but have not been able to as yet.

Alan Shadrake, the British author of the book “Once A Jolly Hangman”, was arrested this morning. According to Channel NewsAsia:

“Police said the 75-year-old is being investigated for alleged criminal defamation and other offences. The arrest was made after a police report by the Media Development Authority on Friday. Shadrake has also been served with a Contempt of Court order by the Attorney-General.”

We will update readers when we have further news.