SINGAPORE: A social media post by Chia Boon Teck, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, has ignited a wave of criticism over comments he made regarding the case of former actor Lev Panfilov, who was recently convicted of serious sexual offences.
Chia’s Controversial Commentary
Following the High Court’s ruling on 21 March 2024, which found Panfilov guilty of rape, molestation, and sexual assault of a woman he met through Tinder, Chia’s LinkedIn post drew ire for appearing to question the victim’s behaviour. He stated that those engaging in one-night stands should be cautious to protect themselves from accusations of assault.
His remarks have been labelled as victim-shaming, leading to a considerable backlash from the legal community and advocacy groups.
Legal Community Responds
- Prominent lawyer Stefanie Yuen Thio condemned Chia’s comments as irresponsible and harmful.
- Other legal professionals, including Shashi Nathan and Clarence Lun, echoed calls for an apology.
- The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) asserted that such statements perpetuate a toxic culture around sexual assault, impacting public trust in the justice system.
Government Response
Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam also spoke out against Chia’s comments, stating he was surprised by the insensitivity expressed at such a high level within the legal fraternity. He emphasised that statements like these can discourage victims from coming forward.
Shanmugam reminded the public of ongoing efforts to strengthen support for victims of sexual crimes, including legislative changes made over the years to combat victim blaming and ensure more robust legal protections.
Chia’s Clarification
In his defence, Chia removed the post and stated his intention was not to blame the victim but to highlight the importance of situational awareness. However, many remain unconvinced by his justification, calling for greater accountability from those in prominent legal positions.
The incident has sparked an important discussion about the responsibilities of legal professionals in addressing sensitive topics and the need for respectful treatment of victims.