Activists are criticising Singapore for planning to deport dozens of South Asian labourers involved in a rare riot without giving them their day in court.
Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said the deportation of the 52 Indians and one Bangladeshi, as well as criminal charges filed against 28 other Indians, would "send a strong signal" that Singapore would not "tolerate actions by anyone which threaten law and order."
"Singapore's shock at the deplorable violence that took place is understandable," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said.
"Ensuring the rights of defendants will strengthen, rather than weaken, the support of the international community for Singapore's handling of this situation," he said.
"In this vein, a question worth asking is why were so many migrant workers deported without a judicial proceeding?" Full story
Related:
Activists demand Singapore extend due process following migrant riots - The China Post
