This is We, The Citizens, a newsletter covering Singapore from a rights-based perspective.
I'm Kirsten Han, a freelance journalist and activist. You'll find more of an introduction here.
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If you'd like to apply for a Kaya Toast Mini-Mentorship or pitch an idea for a guest issue, you'll find more information here.
The Kaya Toast Mini-Mentorship returns!
I announced the Kaya Toast Mini-Mentorship Initiative on 6 June last year, and the first batch of mentees on 2 July. Of the six applicants selected, two pieces made it all the way to completion, and were published here and here. Since then, I’ve had a few people ask
Primer: Civil and political rights in Singapore
Most subscribers of We, The Citizens are Singaporeans, or people who have an interest in/familiarity with Singapore and its politics. But I often meet people who would like to learn more, particularly in relation to politics, democracy, and civil liberties. I hope this primer will be helpful! Feel free
FAQ: The death penalty for drugs in Singapore
The following is based on observations made and research done in the course of campaigning against the death penalty and working with the families of death row inmates, which I have been doing since 2010. Efforts have been made over the years to verify information, but given the scarcity of
$20,000 for trying to save a life
This week: Lawyers who took on late-stage death penalty cases punished with cost orders, an acquittal from death row, and some chicken woes.
Singapore deals a blow to same-sex families
This week: Catching up on a new law that bars same-sex couples from adopting, the WP-run Sengkang Town Council gives up on finding a managing agent, and a look at how POFMA has been used.
Gender equality and National Service
This week: Ng Eng Hen rejects the idea of making women serve NS, lawyers who took on death row cases are still under fire, and a peek at what's going in the Philippines (it involves a Picasso).
The time we lost to the pandemic
Remembering all our elders who had to endure isolation, loneliness and boredom during the nursing home lockdowns, and all the time we lost with our loved ones.
Why won’t lawyers take late-stage capital cases?
This week in Singapore: opposition parties send questions to Shanmugam about legal representation for death row prisoners, and the Archbishop apologises on behalf of the Catholic Church after a prominent member of the order is convicted of sexual offences against two boys.
Happy Belated Birthday (and Press Freedom Day) to WTC!
We, The Citizens is four! And there are discounts!
