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M Ravi remanded at IMH for two more weeks |
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Tuesday, 02 September 2008 07:37am |
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©Today
Online, Singapore (Used by permission)
by Leong Wee Keat
A CASE up for a quick further mention in the Subordinate Courts typically lasts
10 minutes but yesterday, one stretched into a two-hour hearing. Lawyer M Ravi,
dressed in orange prison overalls, faced two charges of harassment and of
disturbing a prayer session at a mosque in Chinatown last month.
The prosecution asked that Mr Ravi be remanded for a further two weeks as
doctors at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) needed more time for his
psychiatric assessment. But the 39-year-old lawyer argued that he was of sound
mind and demanded to be released on bail.
In arguments which strayed across various topics — ranging from constitutional
law to allegations of ill treatment by IMH doctors — Mr Ravi said he would file
a criminal motion in the Supreme Court so the matter would be dealt with there.
Later, after an adjournment for lunch, Mr Ravi’s assistant, Ms Violet Netto,
told the court the motion had been filed.
Mr Ravi claimed that no criminal lawyers in Singapore were willing to represent
him. He also alleged, among other things, that doctors did not feed him for two
days and that he had to drink water out of the toilet bowl.
Eventually, District Judge Victor Yeo stepped in and said he would allow the
prosecution’s request as he found no merit in Mr Ravi’s claims that his
constitutional rights were violated. Mr Yeo ordered the investigating officer to
check out Mr Ravi’s claims about ill treatment at the IMH.
Mr Ravi will next appear in court on Sept 15. If convicted of disturbance, Mr
Ravi faces up to three years in jail or a fine, or both, while the harassment
charge carries a fine of up to $2,000.
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