AGC drops action under Sedition Act against cartoonist Leslie Chew

No further action will be taken against cartoonist Chew Peng Ee, better known as Leslie Chew, after investigations into alleged offences under the Sedition Act were completed, said the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in a statement on Monday.

Chew, 37, had been arrested in April this year for alleged sedition in relation to a cartoon which was posted on his comic series "Demon-cratic Singapore" on Facebook on March 27. He was released on bail on April 21.

AGC said following a review of evidence in investigation papers, the Public Prosecutor had determined that no further action be taken against Chew for any offence under the Sedition Act. The statement added that Chew was informed of the decision earlier on Monday. His police bail will be allowed to lapse and his passport will be returned to him.

But legal proceedings against Chew for an alleged contempt of court "have been instituted and are now pending before a court of law". He is alleged to have committed contempt of court by scandalising the Judiciary of the Republic of Singapore and the case will be heard before the High Court on Aug 12.

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