Migrant workers accused of crimes face a long wait, of torturous uncertainty and economic instability. Investigations alone may take months. Cases that go to court may take years to conclude.
Migrant workers often have no means to support themselves and their families during this wait. The stigma of investigation usually costs their jobs, and hinders them from re-employment. Some may not even be allowed to work.
Workers are torn between fighting for justice for themselves, and giving in, so that they can conclude their case sooner, and continue providing for their families. For many of them―who are their family’s sole breadwinner―this is no real choice at all. Compounding this immense pressure, many never tell their families about their ordeal, not wanting to burden their loved ones. All this is on top of the stress of being subjected to investigation and prosecution.
On 4 September 2020, a migrant domestic worker, Parti Liyani, was acquitted at Singapore's High Court by Justice Chan Seng Onn, of charges of theft that had previously been levelled against her: www.home.org.sg/statements/20...
Parti Liyani has spent almost four years trying to clear her name, and has been represented, pro bono, by Defence lawyer Anil Balchandani of Red Lion Circle (www.lawyer.com.sg/).
In this video interview, Balchandani talks about the challenges he faced during this long trial, why he took on the High Court appeal, and of Parti's resolve, amongst other things.
Read about Parti Liyani's case here: www.home.org.sg/our-updates/2...
More written Q&As with Anil Balchandani here: www.home.org.sg/our-updates/2...
Read more about us - www.home.org.sg
8 сен 2020
