Law Minister K Shanmugam Condemns Controversial Remarks by Law Society Vice-President on Rape Case

In a striking response, Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has publicly rebuked the vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, Chia Boon Teck, for his controversial comments regarding a recent high-profile rape case. The case involves former actor Lev Panfilov, who was convicted of multiple sexual offenses in a verdict delivered by the High Court.

Mr. Shanmugam expressed his surprise and concern over Mr. Chia's LinkedIn post, which appeared to question the credibility of the victim involved in Panfilov's case. In a Facebook statement, the minister highlighted that the court had found the victim to be “an unusually convincing witness,” whose testimony was consistent and credible. He emphasized that dismissive comments from a prominent lawyer could perpetuate harmful attitudes about sexual assault and dissuade future victims from coming forward.

"The implications of such views can be damaging," Mr. Shanmugam stated. "I worry that some might interpret Mr. Chia’s remarks as indicative of societal norms in Singapore, which we must challenge and change.” He reiterated the significant legal reforms that have occurred in Singapore in the past decade aimed at better protecting victims of sexual crimes. This includes the repealing of provisions that allowed lawyers to disparage the moral character of victims, the abolition of marital immunity for rape, and the recent increase in penalties for various sexual offenses.

Mr. Shanmugam pointed out the critical role that lawyers play when discussing sensitive matters. He urged them to be cautious with their words, as comments that trivialize or dismiss victims' experiences can discourage others from reporting similar incidents. "Shaming and blaming victims is unacceptable," he declared, asserting that such attitudes promote misogyny and have no place in modern society.

The backlash against Mr. Chia's comments has been significant, with organizations like the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) and various members of the legal community condemning what many termed as victim-shaming. Calls for Mr. Chia to apologize and resign from his position have gained momentum, intensifying the conversation around accountability and the role of legal professionals in shaping public discourse on sensitive issues.

In light of recent events, it has become increasingly important for society to foster an environment where victims feel safe to report their experiences without fear of being attacked or blamed. As the Minister noted, "We need to ensure that victims know they will be supported and that their concerns will be taken seriously." The conversation around sexual assault continues, and it is evident that changes in societal attitudes and legal frameworks remain vital for the protection of vulnerable individuals.