(AsiaNews) - Alan Shadrake, the author of a book about the death penalty in Singapore, has been charged with contempt of court and is now awaiting trial. He is also being investigated for alleged criminal defamation.

Shadrake’s book, ‘Once A Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice In The Dock’, describes past cases involving the death penalty. Shadrake, a freelance journalist, also included interviews with ex-hangman Darshan Singh.

 The 75-year-old author was arrested on 18 July, two days after Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) made a police report. The Attorney-General’s Chambers said that statements within the book “impugn the impartiality, integrity and independence of the Singapore judiciary”.

The controversial book was previously on sale in Singapore bookstores but has since been taken off the shelves. Kinokuniya bookstore told The Straits Times that action was taken after the MDA contacted the store.

When contacted, K. Gunavathy, a senior analyst of publications/media content and standards at the MDA, said the book had not been banned in Singapore.

However, she told The Straits Times that the MDA would, “where necessary, advise book importers and retailers to seek legal advice to ensure that the books they sell do not contravene Singapore laws”.

The Singapore government also stated that it arrested Mr Shadrake for his alleged violations of Singapore law, not because he opposed the death penalty.

“The Singapore Government's position on the issue of capital punishment is not new. Those who disagree with our position have presented their arguments and as a matter of principle, we respect their right to hold such opposing views, as we hope they do ours,” said the Ministry of Home Affairs.

 In a statement on 20 July, Amnesty International called for Shadrake’s release. “If Singapore aspires to be a global media city, it needs to respect global human rights standards for freedom of expression,” Asia-Pacific deputy director Donna Guest said.

Human Rights Watch also criticised Singapore’s use of defamation laws in an article on 28 July. "Free speech is an endangered species in Singapore," said deputy Asia director Phil Robertson. "It's sadly predictable that the government did not hesitate to threaten prosecution, fines, and imprisonment against an author whose views run contrary to its own."

Shadrake is now out of jail on 10 thousand dollar bail. A trial date has not been fixed, as he has requested for extra time to file affidavits. If he is found guilty of criminal defamation, he may be liable for jail, a fine, or both.