AFP, 18 Oct 2008
SINGAPORE (AFP) — Singapore's government has defended itself against a charge of using defamation suits to stifle dissent, saying they are necessary for protection against unfounded allegations by political opponents.
Human Rights Watch on Friday urged Singapore's leaders to stop using libel suits to silence its critics after an opposition party was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
"In Singapore, opposition politicians have the right to criticise the government and government leaders, but that does not entitle them to tell lies or defame," said information ministry spokeswoman K. Bhavani late Friday.
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