Charles Yeo (Singapore Politician): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image              = Charles Yeo 2020.jpg
| image              = Charles Yeo profile.png
| birth_date        = 1990
| birth_date        = 1990
| education          = Bachelor of Laws
| education          = Bachelor of Laws
| alma mater        = University of Warwick
| alma mater        = University of Warwick
}}<blockquote>For a complete directory of the 192 candidates in Singapore's 2020 General Elections, click [[Singapore General Elections 2020: Constituency candidates|here]].</blockquote>Charles Yeo Yao Hui (born 1990) is a Singaporean politician and criminal defence lawyer.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> In the 2020 general elections, Charles Yeo was fielded as a Reform Party candidate in the Ang Mo Kio group representation constituency (GRC).<ref>Chew Hui Min. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-nomination-ang-mo-kio-grc-pap-reform-party-12885710 GE2020: PAP team led by PM Lee sees challenge from Reform Party in Ang Mo Kio GRC]". ''Channel News Asia''. June 30, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. </ref> As of July 2020, he is active on [https://www.instagram.com/toxicstatenarrativeinsg/ Instagram] where he has over 10,000 followers.
}}<blockquote>For a complete directory of the 192 candidates in Singapore's 2020 General Elections, click [[Singapore General Elections 2020: Constituency candidates|here]].</blockquote>Charles Yeo Yao Hui (born 1990) is a Singaporean politician and criminal defence lawyer.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> In the 2020 general elections, Charles Yeo was fielded as a Reform Party candidate in the Ang Mo Kio group representation constituency (GRC).<ref>Chew Hui Min. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-nomination-ang-mo-kio-grc-pap-reform-party-12885710 GE2020: PAP team led by PM Lee sees challenge from Reform Party in Ang Mo Kio GRC]". ''Channel News Asia''. June 30, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. </ref> He is active on [https://www.instagram.com/protectallminoritylivesinsg/ Instagram], where he has over 14,500 followers as of November 2022.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/protectallminoritylivesinsg/ protectallminoritylivesinsg]. ''Instagram''. n.d. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref>
 
==Background==
==Background==
As an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Charles Yeo is a qualified practising lawyer.<ref>"[https://www.facebook.com/yeoyaohuicharles Charles Yeo]". ''Facebook''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> According to two reports by ''Asia One'', Charles Yeo is also an avid gamer of Dota 2<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/ge2020-rps-charles-yeo-declines-tan-min-liangs-offer-free-razer-gear-out-principle GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle]". ''Asia One''. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> and World of Warcraft.<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/technical-issues-force-reform-party-unveil-its-ge-candidates-under-world-warcraft-game Technical issues force Reform Party to unveil its GE candidates under World of Warcraft game stream]". ''Asia One''. June 16, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref><ref>Yeo, Charles. "[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157952177219091&set=pb.664974090.-2207520000..&type=3&theater Been a while- noob here HAHAHAHA]". ''Facebook''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> In a comment to a Facebook post on 12 July 2020, he called himself a "fairly hardcore gamer".<ref>Min-Liang Tan. ''Facebook''. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155</ref>
As an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Charles Yeo is a qualified practising lawyer.<ref>"[https://www.facebook.com/yeoyaohuicharles Charles Yeo]". ''Facebook''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> According to two reports by ''Asia One'', Charles Yeo is also an avid gamer of Dota 2<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/ge2020-rps-charles-yeo-declines-tan-min-liangs-offer-free-razer-gear-out-principle GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle]". ''Asia One''. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> and World of Warcraft.<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/technical-issues-force-reform-party-unveil-its-ge-candidates-under-world-warcraft-game Technical issues force Reform Party to unveil its GE candidates under World of Warcraft game stream]". ''Asia One''. June 16, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref><ref>Yeo, Charles. "[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157952177219091&set=pb.664974090.-2207520000..&type=3&theater Been a while- noob here HAHAHAHA]". ''Facebook''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> In a comment to a Facebook post on 12 July 2020, he called himself a "fairly hardcore gamer".<ref>Min-Liang Tan. ''Facebook''. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155</ref>
===Early life===
===Early life===
According to the Reform Party website, Charles Yeo read ''Make It Right For Singapore'' by the late opposition politician, J.B. Jeyaretnam at 12 years old.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> J.B. Jeyaretnam was the founder of the Reform Party and the father of Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the current chief of the Reform Party.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> After reading the book, Charles Yeo realised that he wanted an "egalitarian and free and fair" Singapore society.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref>
According to the Reform Party website, Charles Yeo read ''Make It Right For Singapore'' by the late opposition politician, J.B. Jeyaretnam at 12 years old.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> J.B. Jeyaretnam was the founder of the Reform Party and the father of Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the current chief of the Reform Party.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> After reading the book, Charles Yeo realised that he wanted an "egalitarian and free and fair" Singapore society.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref>
===Education===
===Education===
Charles Yeo was a student at Bukit View Primary School and Victoria Secondary School. He then enrolled in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) for his pre-university education.<ref>Ong, Tanya. "[https://mothership.sg/2020/07/charles-yeo-instagram-stories/ Reform Party's Charles Yeo reveals he got A2 for Chinese, answers random questions on Instagram]". ''Mothership''. July 14, 2020. Accessed on 14 July 20202.</ref> He graduated from the University of Warwick in 2014 with a degree in law.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref>
Charles Yeo was a student at Bukit View Primary School and Victoria Secondary School. He then enrolled in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) for his pre-university education.<ref>Ong, Tanya. "[https://mothership.sg/2020/07/charles-yeo-instagram-stories/ Reform Party's Charles Yeo reveals he got A2 for Chinese, answers random questions on Instagram]". ''Mothership''. July 14, 2020. Accessed on 14 July 20202.</ref> He graduated from the University of Warwick in 2014 with a degree in law.<ref>"[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ge2020-reform-party GE2020: The Reform Party]". ''TODAY''. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref>
===Reform Party - Involvement===
Charles Yeo has been involved with the Reform Party since 2011. As of 2020, he is a Central Executive Committee member of the party.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref>
==Politics==
==Politics==


=== Early involvement in the Reform Party ===
Charles Yeo has been involved with the Reform Party since 2011. He was made a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) in 2019, and officially appointed the Reform Party’s chairman in 2020.<ref>"[http://reform.sg/our-candidates/ Our Candidates]". ''Reform Party''. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref><ref>Koh, Fabian. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/charles-yeo-becomes-reform-party-chairman-party-to-conduct-ge2020-post-mortem Charles Yeo becomes Reform Party chairman, party to conduct GE2020 post-mortem]”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 13, 2020. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref>
===General Elections 2020 - Candidate (Ang Mo Kio GRC)===
===General Elections 2020 - Candidate (Ang Mo Kio GRC)===
On 2 July 2020, Charles Yeo represented the Reform Party at the televised party political broadcast.<ref>Phua, Rachel. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-rp-charles-yeo-party-political-broadcast-reform-party-12895086 GE2020: ‘Substantial’ government spending needed to combat COVID-19 economic fallout, says Reform Party]". ''Channel News Asia''. July 2, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> A day later, he was one of the two members from the Reform Party that was present for the Ang Mo Kio constituency political broadcast.<ref>Low Lin Fhoong. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/reform-party-will-carry-on-the-fight-like-jbj-did-kenneth-jeyaretnam Singapore GE2020: Reform Party will carry on the fight like JBJ did, says Kenneth Jeyaretnam]". ''The Straits Times''. July 9, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> Three of the candidates were absent during the broadcast, one of whom was Soh Guan Soon who had the task to address the public in Mandarin. Charles Yeo had to step in and deliver a speech in Mandarin on behalf of his fellow candidate.<ref>Ying Shan. "[https://mustsharenews.com/charles-yeo-chinese/ Charles Yeo Attempts Chinese Again In Zaobao Interview, Talks About Becoming A Meme]". ''MustShare News''. July 7, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> With 28.09 per cent of the votes, the Reform Party lost Ang Mo Kio GRC to the People's Action Party team that was led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.<ref>Lim, Lydia. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/ge2020-results-pap-wins-ang-mo-kio-grc-with-72-against-reform-party GE2020 official results: PAP wins Ang Mo Kio GRC with 72% against Reform Party]". ''The Straits Times''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. </ref>
On 2 July 2020, Charles Yeo represented the Reform Party at the televised party political broadcast.<ref>Phua, Rachel. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-rp-charles-yeo-party-political-broadcast-reform-party-12895086 GE2020: ‘Substantial’ government spending needed to combat COVID-19 economic fallout, says Reform Party]". ''Channel News Asia''. July 2, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> A day later, he was one of the two members from the Reform Party that was present for the Ang Mo Kio constituency political broadcast.<ref>Low Lin Fhoong. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/reform-party-will-carry-on-the-fight-like-jbj-did-kenneth-jeyaretnam Singapore GE2020: Reform Party will carry on the fight like JBJ did, says Kenneth Jeyaretnam]". ''The Straits Times''. July 9, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> Three of the candidates were absent during the broadcast, one of whom was Soh Guan Soon who had the task to address the public in Mandarin. Charles Yeo had to step in and deliver a speech in Mandarin on behalf of his fellow candidate.<ref>Ying Shan. "[https://mustsharenews.com/charles-yeo-chinese/ Charles Yeo Attempts Chinese Again In Zaobao Interview, Talks About Becoming A Meme]". ''MustShare News''. July 7, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> With 28.09 per cent of the votes, the Reform Party lost Ang Mo Kio GRC to the People's Action Party team that was led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.<ref>Lim, Lydia. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/ge2020-results-pap-wins-ang-mo-kio-grc-with-72-against-reform-party GE2020 official results: PAP wins Ang Mo Kio GRC with 72% against Reform Party]". ''The Straits Times''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. </ref>
====Responses to political broadcasts====
====Responses to political broadcasts====
On 11 July 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife, Ho Ching, published a Facebook post responding to the memes of Charles Yeo<ref>Cheung, Rainier. "[https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ge2020-memes-and-jokes-abound-after-rps-charles-yeos-constituency-broadcast GE2020: Memes and jokes abound after RP's Charles Yeo's constituency broadcast]". ''Asia One''. July 4, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> that had been circulating since his speech on 3 July 2020. An excerpt from her post reads as such:<blockquote>"I think we should not make fun of Charles Yeo for his attempt to deliver his team’s Chinese message... Yes, it is painful to see his struggle, but that is no reason to make fun of him or his courageous effort."<ref>Ho Ching. "[https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1497010297153466&id=100005335308340 Hello, folks,]". ''Facebook''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref></blockquote>In light of Charles Yeo's performance in the elections, Tan Min-Liang, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the homegrown brand, Razer, offered to sponsor him some gaming gear.<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/ge2020-rps-charles-yeo-declines-tan-min-liangs-offer-free-razer-gear-out-principle GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle]". ''Asia One''. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> Charles Yeo declined the offer, explaining that he "used to be a huge consumer of razer gear" but stopped doing so after discovering that the company "has been very clearly linked to the establishment in Singapore and the PAP regime".<ref>Min-Liang Tan. ''Facebook''. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155</ref>
On 11 July 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife, Ho Ching, published a Facebook post responding to the memes of Charles Yeo<ref>Cheung, Rainier. "[https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ge2020-memes-and-jokes-abound-after-rps-charles-yeos-constituency-broadcast GE2020: Memes and jokes abound after RP's Charles Yeo's constituency broadcast]". ''Asia One''. July 4, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> that had been circulating since his speech on 3 July 2020. An excerpt from her post reads as such:<blockquote>"I think we should not make fun of Charles Yeo for his attempt to deliver his team’s Chinese message... Yes, it is painful to see his struggle, but that is no reason to make fun of him or his courageous effort."<ref>Ho Ching. "[https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1497010297153466&id=100005335308340 Hello, folks,]". ''Facebook''. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref></blockquote>In light of Charles Yeo's performance in the elections, Tan Min-Liang, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the homegrown brand, Razer, offered to sponsor him some gaming gear.<ref>Ilyas Sholihin. "[https://www.asiaone.com/digital/ge2020-rps-charles-yeo-declines-tan-min-liangs-offer-free-razer-gear-out-principle GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle]". ''Asia One''. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.</ref> Charles Yeo declined the offer, explaining that he "used to be a huge consumer of razer gear" but stopped doing so after discovering that the company "has been very clearly linked to the establishment in Singapore and the PAP regime".<ref>Min-Liang Tan. ''Facebook''. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155</ref>
=== Resignation as Chairman (2022) ===
Following Charles Yeo’s arrest on 12 January 2022 for alleged criminal breach of trust and forgery, he officially “stepped aside” as chairman of the Reform Party “until [the issue] was resolved”.<ref>Alfiq, Faris. “[https://mothership.sg/2022/01/charles-yeo-arrested/ Reform Party's Charles Yeo arrested for alleged criminal breach of trust & forgery]”. ''Mothership.sg''. January 16, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref><ref name=":0">Kow, Zi Shan. “[https://mothership.sg/2022/01/charles-yeo-steps-aside-response/ Charles Yeo steps aside as Reform Party chairman, gives more details about how he was arrested]”. ''Mothership.sg''. January 16, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> Yasmine Valentina, a member of the Reform Party's CEC, was appointed as the party's Acting Chair in his absence.<ref name=":0" />
== Newsworthy incident ==
=== [[Imran Rahim]] sexual misconduct allegations ===
Charles Yeo first broke the allegations on the Singaporean lawyer, Imran Rahim on 21 July 2020.<ref>Yee, Johnathan. "[https://mustsharenews.com/imran-rahim/ Imran Rahim Denies Sexual Misconduct Claims, Says He Doesn’t Know Charles Yeo]". ''MustShare'' ''News''. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.</ref> He released several Instagram videos and posts alleging that he had evidence of Imran Rahim's misconduct within the debate and law communities.<ref>toxicnarrativesinsg. ''Instagram''. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17860100960035723/</ref> Imran Rahim has since released a statement denying these allegations.<ref>imranrahim_. ''Instagram''. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-6bttHSpN/</ref> In a Facebook post dated 23 July 2020, Charles Yeo challenged Imran Rahim to serve him with a Writ of Defamation. An excerpt from his post reads as such:<blockquote>"Listen up Imran Rahim, I am not afraid of your connections with Davinder Singh, Shanmugam, Ong Ye Kung or Masagos. You are a filthy race traitor whose actions show you to be a typical predatory pappie."<ref>Yeo, Charles. "[https://www.facebook.com/yeoyaohuicharles Sick and tired of this oppressive system which enables pappies to do whatever they want]". ''Facebook''. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.</ref></blockquote>According to ''TODAY'', Imran Rahim is seeking legal advice from Providence Law Asia.<ref>Ong, Justin. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/law-firm-investigating-allegations-sexual-misconduct-against-prominent-young-lawyer?fbclid=IwAR3Rl_fRHxn-YTDUYXC25fqjOGJqJYgxUKc4q4DFWsn1EeNN4pBqId4WzdU Law firm investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent young lawyer]". ''Today''. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.</ref>
== Criminal charges and alleged illegal activity ==
=== January 2022 ===
==== Alleged involvement in criminal breach of trust and forgery ====
On January 15 2022, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement that they had arrested lawyer and Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo “for alleged involvement in criminal breach of trust and forgery” on 12 January 2022.<ref name=":1">Ong, Justin. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/reform-party-chairman-charles-yeo-arrested-for-alleged-criminal-breach-of-trust-forgery Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo arrested for alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery]”. ''The Straits Times''. January 15, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> The police also confirmed that Charles Yeo’s arrest was part of an ongoing investigation against Whitefield Law Corporation, where he works as a criminal defence lawyer.<ref>“[https://www.lawguidesingapore.com/directory/lawyer/yeo-yao-hui-charles-yang-yaohui/ Yeo Yao Hui Charles]”. ''Law Guide Singapore''. n.d. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref>
Charles Yeo had also claimed on his social media accounts that week that he had “spent 15 hours in lock-up on trumped up and false charges”.<ref name=":1" /> The police “categorically rejected” his claims.<ref name=":1" />
==== Charged with wounding religious feelings and harassing a police officer ====
[[File:Charles Yeo in court.jpg|thumb|''Charles Yeo in court on 19 January 2022. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/lawyer-charles-yeo-fails-to-turn-up-to-represent-client-in-trial-said-to-be-seeking-asylum-in-uk The Straits Times].'']]
On January 19 2022, Charles Yeo was handed another six charges in court for allegedly wounding religious feelings and harassing a police officer on his Instagram and Facebook pages.<ref name=":2">Lay, Belmont. “[https://mothership.sg/2022/01/charles-yeo-charged-religious-feelings/ Ex-Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo, 31, charged with wounding religious feelings of Christians, harassing police]”. ''Mothership.sg''. January 19, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref><ref name=":3">Lam, Lydia. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/charles-yeo-charged-harassing-police-wounding-religious-feelings-christians-2444661 Charles Yeo charged with harassing police, wounding religious feelings of Christians]”. ''Channel NewsAsia''. January 19, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> These acts reportedly took place between November 2020 and February 2021.<ref name=":2" />
Following these charges, Charles Yeo’s personal Facebook page was no longer accessible.<ref name=":2" /> His mother also posted his bail of S$5,000.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
=== July - September 2022 ===
==== Failed challenges against 2 death row cases ====
On 27 July 2022, Charles Yeo and Malaysia non-profit organisation Lawyers For Liberty were ordered to pay costs after they failed to appeal the death sentences of two drug traffickers.<ref name=":4">Tham, Davina. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/charles-yeo-lawyers-liberty-appeal-death-sentence-drug-trafficking-pay-costs-2838721 Charles Yeo, Lawyers for Liberty ordered to pay costs for failed challenges against 2 death row cases]”. ''Channel NewsAsia''. July 27, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> Charles Yeo was required to pay S$4,000, while Lawyers For Liberty was ordered to pay S$1,000.<ref name=":4" />
The judges had found that Charles Yeo had “acted improperly in filing both applications when he had no material to justify them.”<ref name=":4" /> They said, <blockquote>''"As a qualified lawyer of four years' standing, he should have known that it was his duty to determine whether there was any proper case to put forward to the court – he could not just act willy-nilly on the basis of his clients' instructions or desires.”<ref name=":4" />''</blockquote>
==== Abscondment to the United Kingdom, arrest warrant extended ====
On 30 July 2022, Charles Yeo announced on Instagram that he was seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.<ref name=":5">Chelvan, Vanessa Paige. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/charles-yeo-political-asylum-uk-reform-party-2849466 Lawyer Charles Yeo seeking ‘political asylum’ in the UK]”. ''Channel NewsAsia''. August 1, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> This comes after claims that his various charges were “politically motivated.”<ref name=":5" />
According to reports, he was on bail when he left Singapore, obtaining court permission to travel to Vietnam for work from 27 - 30 July.<ref name=":5" /> He then absconded to the United Kingdom soon after.<ref name=":5" /> His lawyer, Ashwin Ganapathy from IRB Law, had “no clue” that his client had planned to abscond, and said that he “intends to discharge himself” as Charles Yeo’s defence counsel.<ref name=":5" />
On 3 August 2022, the district court issued an arrest warrant for Charles Yeo, citing that he had breached the conditions for overseas travel while on bail.<ref name=":6">Tham, Davina. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/charles-yeo-arrest-warrant-asylum-uk-breach-bail-conditions-2855351 Court issues arrest warrant for Charles Yeo after he breached conditions for overseas travel on bail]”. ''Channel NewsAsia''. August 3, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022. </ref> The Singapore Police Force has also said that they were working with overseas law enforcement counterparts to trace his whereabouts.<ref name=":6" /> As of 14 September 2022, Charles Yeo had still not returned to Singapore, and his arrest warrant was thus extended to March 2023.<ref>Lam, Lydia. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/charles-yeo-former-reform-party-chairman-large-arrest-warrant-extended-2937206 Lawyer Charles Yeo remains at large, arrest warrant against him extended]”. ''Channel NewsAsia''. September 14, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref>
=== November 2022 ===
==== Charged with contempt of court ====
Charles Yeo appeared via Zoom video call in a High Court hearing on 29 November 2022.<ref name=":7">Lum, Selina. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/fugitive-lawyer-charles-yeo-appears-in-court-via-video-call-is-convicted-of-contempt Fugitive lawyer Charles Yeo appears in court via video call, is convicted of contempt]”. ''The Straits Times''. November 29, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.</ref> During the hearing, he stated that he was “currently under the protection of the UK government”.<ref name=":7" /> He was also charged and convicted of contempt of court by scandalising the judiciary. He had posted two Instagram stories on 14 March 2022, where he implied that “the courts lack integrity and act improperly and with partiality in the discharge of their judicial duties”, said Deputy Senior State Counsel Ng Yiwen.<ref name=":7" />


After he was convicted, Charles Yeo had reportedly sought a fine. The case has been adjourned to 20 January 2023 for sentencing.<ref name=":7" />
==References/ Citations==
==References/ Citations==
[[Category:People of Interest]]
[[Category:Singapore Politicians‎]]
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 10:17, 1 December 2022

Charles Yeo
Charles Yeo profile.png
Born1990
EducationBachelor of Laws
Alma materUniversity of Warwick

For a complete directory of the 192 candidates in Singapore's 2020 General Elections, click here.

Charles Yeo Yao Hui (born 1990) is a Singaporean politician and criminal defence lawyer.[1] In the 2020 general elections, Charles Yeo was fielded as a Reform Party candidate in the Ang Mo Kio group representation constituency (GRC).[2] He is active on Instagram, where he has over 14,500 followers as of November 2022.[3]

Background

As an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Charles Yeo is a qualified practising lawyer.[4] According to two reports by Asia One, Charles Yeo is also an avid gamer of Dota 2[5] and World of Warcraft.[6][7] In a comment to a Facebook post on 12 July 2020, he called himself a "fairly hardcore gamer".[8]

Early life

According to the Reform Party website, Charles Yeo read Make It Right For Singapore by the late opposition politician, J.B. Jeyaretnam at 12 years old.[9] J.B. Jeyaretnam was the founder of the Reform Party and the father of Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the current chief of the Reform Party.[10] After reading the book, Charles Yeo realised that he wanted an "egalitarian and free and fair" Singapore society.[11]

Education

Charles Yeo was a student at Bukit View Primary School and Victoria Secondary School. He then enrolled in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) for his pre-university education.[12] He graduated from the University of Warwick in 2014 with a degree in law.[13]

Politics

Early involvement in the Reform Party

Charles Yeo has been involved with the Reform Party since 2011. He was made a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) in 2019, and officially appointed the Reform Party’s chairman in 2020.[14][15]

General Elections 2020 - Candidate (Ang Mo Kio GRC)

On 2 July 2020, Charles Yeo represented the Reform Party at the televised party political broadcast.[16] A day later, he was one of the two members from the Reform Party that was present for the Ang Mo Kio constituency political broadcast.[17] Three of the candidates were absent during the broadcast, one of whom was Soh Guan Soon who had the task to address the public in Mandarin. Charles Yeo had to step in and deliver a speech in Mandarin on behalf of his fellow candidate.[18] With 28.09 per cent of the votes, the Reform Party lost Ang Mo Kio GRC to the People's Action Party team that was led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.[19]

Responses to political broadcasts

On 11 July 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife, Ho Ching, published a Facebook post responding to the memes of Charles Yeo[20] that had been circulating since his speech on 3 July 2020. An excerpt from her post reads as such:

"I think we should not make fun of Charles Yeo for his attempt to deliver his team’s Chinese message... Yes, it is painful to see his struggle, but that is no reason to make fun of him or his courageous effort."[21]

In light of Charles Yeo's performance in the elections, Tan Min-Liang, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the homegrown brand, Razer, offered to sponsor him some gaming gear.[22] Charles Yeo declined the offer, explaining that he "used to be a huge consumer of razer gear" but stopped doing so after discovering that the company "has been very clearly linked to the establishment in Singapore and the PAP regime".[23]

Resignation as Chairman (2022)

Following Charles Yeo’s arrest on 12 January 2022 for alleged criminal breach of trust and forgery, he officially “stepped aside” as chairman of the Reform Party “until [the issue] was resolved”.[24][25] Yasmine Valentina, a member of the Reform Party's CEC, was appointed as the party's Acting Chair in his absence.[25]

Newsworthy incident

Imran Rahim sexual misconduct allegations

Charles Yeo first broke the allegations on the Singaporean lawyer, Imran Rahim on 21 July 2020.[26] He released several Instagram videos and posts alleging that he had evidence of Imran Rahim's misconduct within the debate and law communities.[27] Imran Rahim has since released a statement denying these allegations.[28] In a Facebook post dated 23 July 2020, Charles Yeo challenged Imran Rahim to serve him with a Writ of Defamation. An excerpt from his post reads as such:

"Listen up Imran Rahim, I am not afraid of your connections with Davinder Singh, Shanmugam, Ong Ye Kung or Masagos. You are a filthy race traitor whose actions show you to be a typical predatory pappie."[29]

According to TODAY, Imran Rahim is seeking legal advice from Providence Law Asia.[30]

Criminal charges and alleged illegal activity

January 2022

Alleged involvement in criminal breach of trust and forgery

On January 15 2022, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement that they had arrested lawyer and Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo “for alleged involvement in criminal breach of trust and forgery” on 12 January 2022.[31] The police also confirmed that Charles Yeo’s arrest was part of an ongoing investigation against Whitefield Law Corporation, where he works as a criminal defence lawyer.[32]

Charles Yeo had also claimed on his social media accounts that week that he had “spent 15 hours in lock-up on trumped up and false charges”.[31] The police “categorically rejected” his claims.[31]

Charged with wounding religious feelings and harassing a police officer

Charles Yeo in court on 19 January 2022. Photo from The Straits Times.

On January 19 2022, Charles Yeo was handed another six charges in court for allegedly wounding religious feelings and harassing a police officer on his Instagram and Facebook pages.[33][34] These acts reportedly took place between November 2020 and February 2021.[33]

Following these charges, Charles Yeo’s personal Facebook page was no longer accessible.[33] His mother also posted his bail of S$5,000.[33][34]

July - September 2022

Failed challenges against 2 death row cases

On 27 July 2022, Charles Yeo and Malaysia non-profit organisation Lawyers For Liberty were ordered to pay costs after they failed to appeal the death sentences of two drug traffickers.[35] Charles Yeo was required to pay S$4,000, while Lawyers For Liberty was ordered to pay S$1,000.[35]

The judges had found that Charles Yeo had “acted improperly in filing both applications when he had no material to justify them.”[35] They said,

"As a qualified lawyer of four years' standing, he should have known that it was his duty to determine whether there was any proper case to put forward to the court – he could not just act willy-nilly on the basis of his clients' instructions or desires.”[35]

Abscondment to the United Kingdom, arrest warrant extended

On 30 July 2022, Charles Yeo announced on Instagram that he was seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.[36] This comes after claims that his various charges were “politically motivated.”[36]

According to reports, he was on bail when he left Singapore, obtaining court permission to travel to Vietnam for work from 27 - 30 July.[36] He then absconded to the United Kingdom soon after.[36] His lawyer, Ashwin Ganapathy from IRB Law, had “no clue” that his client had planned to abscond, and said that he “intends to discharge himself” as Charles Yeo’s defence counsel.[36]

On 3 August 2022, the district court issued an arrest warrant for Charles Yeo, citing that he had breached the conditions for overseas travel while on bail.[37] The Singapore Police Force has also said that they were working with overseas law enforcement counterparts to trace his whereabouts.[37] As of 14 September 2022, Charles Yeo had still not returned to Singapore, and his arrest warrant was thus extended to March 2023.[38]

November 2022

Charged with contempt of court

Charles Yeo appeared via Zoom video call in a High Court hearing on 29 November 2022.[39] During the hearing, he stated that he was “currently under the protection of the UK government”.[39] He was also charged and convicted of contempt of court by scandalising the judiciary. He had posted two Instagram stories on 14 March 2022, where he implied that “the courts lack integrity and act improperly and with partiality in the discharge of their judicial duties”, said Deputy Senior State Counsel Ng Yiwen.[39]

After he was convicted, Charles Yeo had reportedly sought a fine. The case has been adjourned to 20 January 2023 for sentencing.[39]

References/ Citations

  1. ↑ "GE2020: The Reform Party". TODAY. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  2. ↑ Chew Hui Min. "GE2020: PAP team led by PM Lee sees challenge from Reform Party in Ang Mo Kio GRC". Channel News Asia. June 30, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  3. ↑ protectallminoritylivesinsg. Instagram. n.d. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  4. ↑ "Charles Yeo". Facebook. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  5. ↑ Ilyas Sholihin. "GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle". Asia One. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  6. ↑ Ilyas Sholihin. "Technical issues force Reform Party to unveil its GE candidates under World of Warcraft game stream". Asia One. June 16, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  7. ↑ Yeo, Charles. "Been a while- noob here HAHAHAHA". Facebook. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  8. ↑ Min-Liang Tan. Facebook. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155
  9. ↑ "Our Candidates". Reform Party. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  10. ↑ "GE2020: The Reform Party". TODAY. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  11. ↑ "Our Candidates". Reform Party. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  12. ↑ Ong, Tanya. "Reform Party's Charles Yeo reveals he got A2 for Chinese, answers random questions on Instagram". Mothership. July 14, 2020. Accessed on 14 July 20202.
  13. ↑ "GE2020: The Reform Party". TODAY. June 24, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  14. ↑ "Our Candidates". Reform Party. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  15. ↑ Koh, Fabian. “Charles Yeo becomes Reform Party chairman, party to conduct GE2020 post-mortem”. The Straits Times. August 13, 2020. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  16. ↑ Phua, Rachel. "GE2020: ‘Substantial’ government spending needed to combat COVID-19 economic fallout, says Reform Party". Channel News Asia. July 2, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  17. ↑ Low Lin Fhoong. "Singapore GE2020: Reform Party will carry on the fight like JBJ did, says Kenneth Jeyaretnam". The Straits Times. July 9, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  18. ↑ Ying Shan. "Charles Yeo Attempts Chinese Again In Zaobao Interview, Talks About Becoming A Meme". MustShare News. July 7, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  19. ↑ Lim, Lydia. "GE2020 official results: PAP wins Ang Mo Kio GRC with 72% against Reform Party". The Straits Times. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  20. ↑ Cheung, Rainier. "GE2020: Memes and jokes abound after RP's Charles Yeo's constituency broadcast". Asia One. July 4, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  21. ↑ Ho Ching. "Hello, folks,". Facebook. July 11, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  22. ↑ Ilyas Sholihin. "GE2020: RP's Charles Yeo declines Tan Min-Liang's offer of free Razer gear out of principle". Asia One. July 13, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020.
  23. ↑ Min-Liang Tan. Facebook. July 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/3231816046876155
  24. ↑ Alfiq, Faris. “Reform Party's Charles Yeo arrested for alleged criminal breach of trust & forgery”. Mothership.sg. January 16, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Kow, Zi Shan. “Charles Yeo steps aside as Reform Party chairman, gives more details about how he was arrested”. Mothership.sg. January 16, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  26. ↑ Yee, Johnathan. "Imran Rahim Denies Sexual Misconduct Claims, Says He Doesn’t Know Charles Yeo". MustShare News. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.
  27. ↑ toxicnarrativesinsg. Instagram. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17860100960035723/
  28. ↑ imranrahim_. Instagram. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-6bttHSpN/
  29. ↑ Yeo, Charles. "Sick and tired of this oppressive system which enables pappies to do whatever they want". Facebook. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.
  30. ↑ Ong, Justin. "Law firm investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent young lawyer". Today. July 23, 2020. Accessed on 24 July 2020.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Ong, Justin. “Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo arrested for alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery”. The Straits Times. January 15, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  32. ↑ “Yeo Yao Hui Charles”. Law Guide Singapore. n.d. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 Lay, Belmont. “Ex-Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo, 31, charged with wounding religious feelings of Christians, harassing police”. Mothership.sg. January 19, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Lam, Lydia. “Charles Yeo charged with harassing police, wounding religious feelings of Christians”. Channel NewsAsia. January 19, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 Tham, Davina. “Charles Yeo, Lawyers for Liberty ordered to pay costs for failed challenges against 2 death row cases”. Channel NewsAsia. July 27, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 Chelvan, Vanessa Paige. “Lawyer Charles Yeo seeking ‘political asylum’ in the UK”. Channel NewsAsia. August 1, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Tham, Davina. “Court issues arrest warrant for Charles Yeo after he breached conditions for overseas travel on bail”. Channel NewsAsia. August 3, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  38. ↑ Lam, Lydia. “Lawyer Charles Yeo remains at large, arrest warrant against him extended”. Channel NewsAsia. September 14, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 Lum, Selina. “Fugitive lawyer Charles Yeo appears in court via video call, is convicted of contempt”. The Straits Times. November 29, 2022. Accessed on 30 November 2022.
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