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Parti Liyani legal case: Difference between revisions
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SGPolitico (talk | contribs) (Created page with "Parti Liyani (born 1974) is a former domestic helper from Indonesia who was accused of theft by her Singaporean employer, Liew Mun Leong, former Changi Airport Group chairman. In 2019, she was sentenced to 26 months in jail when the District Court found her guilty of four counts of theft<ref>https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2020_SGHC_187</ref>. Following a successful appeal, the High Court acquitted Parti Liyani of all charges in September 2020. She was represented by...") |
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Parti Liyani (born 1974) is a former domestic helper from Indonesia who was accused of theft by her Singaporean employer, Liew Mun Leong | Parti Liyani (born 1974) is a former domestic helper from Indonesia who was accused of theft by her Singaporean employer, Liew Mun Leong. | ||
In 2019, she was sentenced to 26 months in jail when the District Court found her guilty of four counts of theft<ref>https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2020_SGHC_187</ref>. | In 2019, she was sentenced to 26 months in jail when the District Court found her guilty of four counts of theft<ref>https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2020_SGHC_187</ref>. | ||
Following a successful appeal, the High Court acquitted Parti Liyani of all charges in September 2020. She was represented by her pro bono lawyer, Anil Balchandani at both trials. | Following a successful appeal, the High Court acquitted Parti Liyani of all charges in September 2020. | ||
She was represented by her pro bono lawyer, Anil Balchandani at both trials. | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Parti Liyani has worked in Singapore as a foreign domestic worker since 1996. | Parti Liyani has worked in Singapore as a foreign domestic worker since 1996. | ||
===Employment at the Liew household (2007 - 2016)=== | ===Employment at the Liew household (2007 - 2016)=== | ||
Parti was employed as a foreign domestic worker in the Liew household by prominent businessman, | Parti was employed as a foreign domestic worker in the Liew household by prominent businessman, Liew Mun Leong , former Changi Airport Group chairman, for approximately nine years from March 2007 to 28 October 2016. | ||
On 28 October 2016, her employment was terminated by Mr Liew, who was Parti’s formal employer, when he suspected that Parti was stealing from various members of the Liew family. | On 28 October 2016, her employment was terminated by Mr Liew, who was Parti’s formal employer, when he suspected that Parti was stealing from various members of the Liew family. | ||
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On these occasions, she was not fairly compensated. When Parti Liyani was fired without notice on 28 October 2016, she said the following to Karl Liew:<blockquote>“I know why. You angry (sic) because I refused to clean up your toilet.”<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>On the day of her termination, she also said that she would report her illegal deployment to the Ministry of Manpower.<ref name=":2" /> | On these occasions, she was not fairly compensated. When Parti Liyani was fired without notice on 28 October 2016, she said the following to Karl Liew:<blockquote>“I know why. You angry (sic) because I refused to clean up your toilet.”<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>On the day of her termination, she also said that she would report her illegal deployment to the Ministry of Manpower.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
===Timeline leading to Parti’s arrest=== | ===Timeline leading to Parti’s arrest=== | ||
On 28 October 2016, Parti Liyani was given about two hours to pack her belongings and vacate the Liew household. | On 28 October 2016, Parti Liyani was given about two hours to pack her belongings and vacate the Liew household. | ||
After which, she immediately flew home to Surabaya, Indonesia, leaving three boxes of her belongings which she packed, that Karl promise to be shipped over to her.<ref>Ng, Charmaine. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/familys-valuables-found-in-maids-boxes-court-told Family's valuables found in maid's boxes, court told]". ''The Straits Times''. August 16, 2018. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | |||
On 30 October 2016, Parti Liyani’s ex-employer, Liew Mun Leong and his son, Karl Liew filed a police report against her.<ref>"[https://www.home.org.sg/our-updates/2020/9/7/parti-liyani-an-indonesian-domestic-workers-fight-to-clear-her-name-1 "I never believed I was guilty": An Indonesian domestic worker's fight to clear her name]". ''Home''. September 2020. Accessed on 5 October 2020.</ref> | |||
She was unaware that a police report had been filed against her by Liew Mun Leong and his son Karl Liew on | She was unaware that a police report had been filed against her by Liew Mun Leong and his son Karl Liew on 30 October 2016. | ||
Parti Liyani returned to Singapore on 2 December 2016 to seek employment but was arrested at Changi Airport upon her arrival.<ref name=":2" /> | Parti Liyani returned to Singapore on 2 December 2016 to seek employment but was arrested at Changi Airport upon her arrival.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
From 2016 to 2020, Parti | From 2016 to 2020, Parti was not permitted to work due to the ongoing investigations. She sought shelter at the Humanitarian Organisation for Migrant Economics (HOME) during this time. | ||
== District Court trial: Charges & sentencing (2017 - 2019) == | |||
Parti Liyani was charged with three counts of theft in dwelling and one count of theft as a servant in August 2017 for allegedly stealing from four people in the Liew household.<ref>Tan, Adeline. "[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/former-maid-cag-chairman-walks-free-after-last-charge-cleared Former maid of CAG chairman walks free after last charge cleared]". ''The New Paper''. September 9, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | Parti Liyani was charged with three counts of theft in dwelling and one count of theft as a servant in August 2017 for allegedly stealing from four people in the Liew household.<ref>Tan, Adeline. "[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/former-maid-cag-chairman-walks-free-after-last-charge-cleared Former maid of CAG chairman walks free after last charge cleared]". ''The New Paper''. September 9, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | ||
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| - One Pioneer DVD player valued at $1,000 | | - One Pioneer DVD player valued at $1,000 | ||
- One Brown Longchamp bag valued at $200 | - One Brown Longchamp bag valued at $200 | ||
- One Blue Longchamp bag valued at $200 | - One Blue Longchamp bag valued at $200 | ||
|Liew Mun Leong | |Liew Mun Leong | ||
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| - 115 pieces of clothing valued at $150 each | | - 115 pieces of clothing valued at $150 each | ||
- One blanket valued at $500 | - One blanket valued at $500 | ||
- Three bedsheets valued at $100 each | |||
- Three bedsheets valued at $100 each | |||
- One "Philips" DVD player valued at $150 | - One "Philips" DVD player valued at $150 | ||
- An assortment of kitchenware and utensils valued at $300 | - An assortment of kitchenware and utensils valued at $300 | ||
- One "Helix" watch valued at $50 | - One "Helix" watch valued at $50 | ||
- One damaged "Gerald Genta" watch valued at $10,000 | - One damaged "Gerald Genta" watch valued at $10,000 | ||
- Two white iPhone 4 with accessories valued at $2,056 | - Two white iPhone 4 with accessories valued at $2,056 | ||
|Karl Liew | |Karl Liew | ||
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| - One leather "Vacheron Constantin" watch (unknown value) | | - One leather "Vacheron Constantin" watch (unknown value) | ||
- One white-colored "Swatch" watch with orange-colored design valued at $75 | - One white-colored "Swatch" watch with orange-colored design valued at $75 | ||
- One silver-colored ring with blue shiny stones valued at $150 | - One silver-colored ring with blue shiny stones valued at $150 | ||
- One pair of silver-colored earrings with white opaque stone valued at $150 | - One pair of silver-colored earrings with white opaque stone valued at $150 | ||
- One yellow-colored earring with one white opaque ball valued at $75 | - One yellow-colored earring with one white opaque ball valued at $75 | ||
- An assortment of fashion accessories valued at $400 | - An assortment of fashion accessories valued at $400 | ||
- One pair of black "Gucci" sunglasses valued at $250 | - One pair of black "Gucci" sunglasses valued at $250 | ||
|May Liew | |May Liew | ||
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Parti’s 19-day District Court trial started in April 2018.<ref>Ng, Charmaine. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/husband-felt-thefts-had-been-going-on-for-years Husband felt thefts had been going on for years]". ''The Straits Times''. August 17, 2018. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref><ref>Chua, Alfred. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/liew-mun-leongs-ex-maid-found-guilty-stealing-items-worth-over-s30000 Liew Mun Leong’s ex-maid found guilty of stealing items worth over S$30,000]". ''TODAY''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | Parti’s 19-day District Court trial started in April 2018.<ref>Ng, Charmaine. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/husband-felt-thefts-had-been-going-on-for-years Husband felt thefts had been going on for years]". ''The Straits Times''. August 17, 2018. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref><ref>Chua, Alfred. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/liew-mun-leongs-ex-maid-found-guilty-stealing-items-worth-over-s30000 Liew Mun Leong’s ex-maid found guilty of stealing items worth over S$30,000]". ''TODAY''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | ||
Her pro bono lawyer, Anil Balchandani argued that the items allegedly stolen by Parti were either gifted to her or items that she found to be discarded.<ref>Shaffiq Idris Alkhatib. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/maid-accused-of-stealing-said-she-salvaged-items-from-trash-bags Maid accused of stealing said she salvaged items from trash bags]". ''The Straits Times''. April 26, 2018. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref><ref>Lum, Selina. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/dvd-player-faulty-liew-couldnt-give-details-on-stolen-bags Maid accused of theft, then acquitted: DVD player faulty, CAG chief Liew Mun Leong couldn't give details on 'stolen' bags]". ''The Straits Times''. September 6, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | Her pro bono lawyer, Anil Balchandani argued that the items allegedly stolen by Parti were either gifted to her or items that she found to be discarded.<ref>Shaffiq Idris Alkhatib. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/maid-accused-of-stealing-said-she-salvaged-items-from-trash-bags Maid accused of stealing said she salvaged items from trash bags]". ''The Straits Times''. April 26, 2018. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref><ref>Lum, Selina. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/dvd-player-faulty-liew-couldnt-give-details-on-stolen-bags Maid accused of theft, then acquitted: DVD player faulty, CAG chief Liew Mun Leong couldn't give details on 'stolen' bags]". ''The Straits Times''. September 6, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | ||
=== Video of Liews opening three boxes of "stolen items" === | |||
During the hearing, it was stated that members of the Liew family found “stolen” items in the three boxes that Parti had packed when she was asked to leave. | During the hearing, it was stated that members of the Liew family found “stolen” items in the three boxes that Parti had packed when she was asked to leave. | ||
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However, a video shared by the Liews showed them going through the belongings and suggesting that the items be sold to the Karang Guni, rather than expressing shock that they had been stolen from them. | However, a video shared by the Liews showed them going through the belongings and suggesting that the items be sold to the Karang Guni, rather than expressing shock that they had been stolen from them. | ||
=== The Three Boxes: Inaccurate Police Sketch and Evidence Handling === | |||
During the trial, a police crime scene specialist, Goh Swee Kiat, testified that he drew a sketch of Liew Mun Leong’s residence on 21 March 2018—18 months after Parti Liyani was fired and repatriated. The Defence highlighted that this sketch contained “non-contemporaneous information,” as it depicted three boxes at the house when, by then, they were no longer there.<ref>https://partiliyani.weebly.com/the-three-boxes-misleading-and-inaccurate-sketch-by-police.html</ref> | During the trial, a police crime scene specialist, Goh Swee Kiat, testified that he drew a sketch of Liew Mun Leong’s residence on 21 March 2018—18 months after Parti Liyani was fired and repatriated. The Defence highlighted that this sketch contained “non-contemporaneous information,” as it depicted three boxes at the house when, by then, they were no longer there.<ref>https://partiliyani.weebly.com/the-three-boxes-misleading-and-inaccurate-sketch-by-police.html</ref> | ||
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Furthermore, the Defence contended that this was not merely a case of lost evidence, but of ''“prosecuting authorities being prepared to adduce evidence which was not what it purported to be.”'' By directing Goh to depict a layout he had no direct knowledge of, ASP Tang had ''“essentially doctored evidence”'' to mislead the court. | Furthermore, the Defence contended that this was not merely a case of lost evidence, but of ''“prosecuting authorities being prepared to adduce evidence which was not what it purported to be.”'' By directing Goh to depict a layout he had no direct knowledge of, ASP Tang had ''“essentially doctored evidence”'' to mislead the court. | ||
==== The Knives: The Pink Knife & the Black-Handled 'Jarmay' Knife ==== | ===== The Knives: The Pink Knife & the Black-Handled 'Jarmay' Knife ===== | ||
Karl Liew claimed that Parti Liyani stole 42 kitchen utensils, including stainless steel pots, ceramic and glass pots, two cups and saucers, two dozen forks and spoons, chopsticks, and two knives. These items, listed in the 2nd charge, were valued at S$300. | Karl Liew claimed that Parti Liyani stole 42 kitchen utensils, including stainless steel pots, ceramic and glass pots, two cups and saucers, two dozen forks and spoons, chopsticks, and two knives. These items, listed in the 2nd charge, were valued at S$300. | ||
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Karl was unable to specify where these utensils were stored in the house after their alleged arrival from the UK. His mother, Mdm Ng Lai Peng (Mrs. Liew), testified that Parti had helped pack Karl’s utensils when he returned in 2002. However, Parti only started working for the Liew family in 2007—five years later—making it impossible for her to have been involved. Despite this, Mrs. Liew insisted on her claim, even when confronted with the timeline inconsistency. | Karl was unable to specify where these utensils were stored in the house after their alleged arrival from the UK. His mother, Mdm Ng Lai Peng (Mrs. Liew), testified that Parti had helped pack Karl’s utensils when he returned in 2002. However, Parti only started working for the Liew family in 2007—five years later—making it impossible for her to have been involved. Despite this, Mrs. Liew insisted on her claim, even when confronted with the timeline inconsistency. | ||
===== '''The Black-Handled Knife: Expert Testimony Contradicts Karl Liew''' ===== | |||
Defence counsel traced the black-handled knife to Jarmay Enterprises, a kitchenware manufacturer. Ms. Teo, the company’s owner, testified that it was ''“impossible”'' for the knife to have been made before 2006, as Jarmay only began producing it that year. This directly contradicted Karl’s claim that he had purchased the knife before 2002 in Wales. | Defence counsel traced the black-handled knife to Jarmay Enterprises, a kitchenware manufacturer. Ms. Teo, the company’s owner, testified that it was ''“impossible”'' for the knife to have been made before 2006, as Jarmay only began producing it that year. This directly contradicted Karl’s claim that he had purchased the knife before 2002 in Wales. | ||
===== '''The Pink Knife: Karl’s Own Contradiction''' ===== | |||
During cross-examination, Karl ''agreed'' that the pink knife could not have been produced before 2002. He reaffirmed this during re-examination, despite having earlier testified that he bought all the utensils while studying in the UK and shipped them to Singapore in 2002. As the Defence pointed out, ''“on Karl’s own evidence, the pink knife was not in his possession, and by deduction, all the other items in P1-14 could not have been with him.”'' | During cross-examination, Karl ''agreed'' that the pink knife could not have been produced before 2002. He reaffirmed this during re-examination, despite having earlier testified that he bought all the utensils while studying in the UK and shipped them to Singapore in 2002. As the Defence pointed out, ''“on Karl’s own evidence, the pink knife was not in his possession, and by deduction, all the other items in P1-14 could not have been with him.”'' | ||
==== Verdict ==== | |||
In March 2019, Parti Liyani was found guilty of her charges but filed an appeal to the High Court against all four charges.<ref>Lam, Lydia. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/maid-found-guilty-of-stealing-s-30-000-worth-of-items-from-11361556 Maid found guilty of stealing S$30,000 worth of items from Changi Airport Group chairman’s family]". ''Channel News Asia''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | In March 2019, Parti Liyani was found guilty of her charges but filed an appeal to the High Court against all four charges.<ref>Lam, Lydia. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/maid-found-guilty-of-stealing-s-30-000-worth-of-items-from-11361556 Maid found guilty of stealing S$30,000 worth of items from Changi Airport Group chairman’s family]". ''Channel News Asia''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | ||
On multiple occasions, the defence was blocked by the prosecution from questioning witnesses on points that later became the basis for overturning the conviction. For example, Karl Liew's [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/11/parti-liyani-case-defence-was-prevented-from-confirming-with-karl-liews-mother-that-he-does-sometimes-wear-womens-clothes-as-he-claimed/ claim that he wore women's clothes] and [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/07/parti-liyani-case-district-judge-prosecution-blocked-defence-counsel-from-mentioning-his-clients-intention-to-lodge-complaint-to-mom/ Parti's threat to file a report] against the Liews for illegal deployment to the Ministry of Manpower. | On multiple occasions, the defence was blocked by the prosecution from questioning witnesses on points that later became the basis for overturning the conviction. For example, Karl Liew's [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/11/parti-liyani-case-defence-was-prevented-from-confirming-with-karl-liews-mother-that-he-does-sometimes-wear-womens-clothes-as-he-claimed/ claim that he wore women's clothes] and [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/07/parti-liyani-case-district-judge-prosecution-blocked-defence-counsel-from-mentioning-his-clients-intention-to-lodge-complaint-to-mom/ Parti's threat to file a report] against the Liews for illegal deployment to the Ministry of Manpower. | ||
== High Court trial: Appeal & acquittal (2019 - 2020) == | |||
The appeal process lasted for several months until Justice Chan Seng Onn overturned Parti Liyani's four theft charges on 4 September 2020.<ref>Lam, Lydia. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/parti-liyani-former-maid-of-cag-chairman-cleared-of-last-charge-13091074 Parti Liyani, former maid of CAG chairman, cleared of last remaining charge]". ''Channel News Asia''. September 8, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | |||
According to Justice Chan, the District Court did not consider the credibility of the Liew family’s testimonies, among other points.<ref>Lim, Janice. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/maid-acquitted-stealing-cag-chairman-liew-mun-leong-says-she-forgives-her-ex-employer Maid acquitted of stealing from CAG chairman Liew Mun Leong says she forgives him, but wants apology]". ''TODAY''. September 5, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | According to Justice Chan, the District Court did not consider the credibility of the Liew family’s testimonies, among other points.<ref>Lim, Janice. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/maid-acquitted-stealing-cag-chairman-liew-mun-leong-says-she-forgives-her-ex-employer Maid acquitted of stealing from CAG chairman Liew Mun Leong says she forgives him, but wants apology]". ''TODAY''. September 5, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | ||
Reasons | === Reasons why Parti's conviction was invalidated. === | ||
==== '''Improper Motive by the Liew Family''' ==== | |||
* Justice Chan found reason to believe that Parti’s sudden termination and subsequent police report were linked to her threat to lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) about being illegally deployed to clean Karl Liew’s house and office. | * Justice Chan found reason to believe that Parti’s sudden termination and subsequent police report were linked to her threat to lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) about being illegally deployed to clean Karl Liew’s house and office. | ||
* The police report was filed on 30 October 2016—just two days after she expressed her intent to complain, suggesting a preemptive move to prevent her from returning to Singapore. | * The police report was filed on 30 October 2016—just two days after she expressed her intent to complain, suggesting a preemptive move to prevent her from returning to Singapore. | ||
* The Prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was no improper motive in making the police report. | * The Prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was no improper motive in making the police report. | ||
==== '''Break in Chain of Custody of Evidence''' ==== | |||
* After Parti left, the Liew family went through her belongings and removed items before reporting them to the police. | * After Parti left, the Liew family went through her belongings and removed items before reporting them to the police. | ||
* The police did not seize the allegedly stolen items immediately but instead allowed the Liews to continue using them. | * The police did not seize the allegedly stolen items immediately but instead allowed the Liews to continue using them. | ||
* Items were only taken into police custody on 18 April 2018—nearly 18 months after the report—creating doubts about contamination or misidentification. | * Items were only taken into police custody on 18 April 2018—nearly 18 months after the report—creating doubts about contamination or misidentification. | ||
==== '''Lack of Proper Translation for Statements''' ==== | |||
* Parti’s initial statements were recorded without a Bahasa Indonesia interpreter. Instead, she was interviewed in a mix of English and Bahasa Melayu, which are not her native language.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/11/07/parti-liyani-case-translation-during-police-interview-one-of-many-factors-in-justice-chans-decision-to-acquit-her-of-theft-charges/</ref> | * Parti’s initial statements were recorded without a Bahasa Indonesia interpreter. Instead, she was interviewed in a mix of English and Bahasa Melayu, which are not her native language.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/11/07/parti-liyani-case-translation-during-police-interview-one-of-many-factors-in-justice-chans-decision-to-acquit-her-of-theft-charges/</ref> | ||
* There were inconsistencies in how statements were read back to her, raising doubts about whether she fully understood or agreed with them. | * There were inconsistencies in how statements were read back to her, raising doubts about whether she fully understood or agreed with them. | ||
==== '''Karl Liew’s Lack of Credibility''' ==== | |||
* Karl’s testimony was inconsistent, and he had previously been found to be a dishonest witness in a separate civil case.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/11/parti-liyani-case-defence-was-prevented-from-confirming-with-karl-liews-mother-that-he-does-sometimes-wear-womens-clothes-as-he-claimed/</ref> | * Karl’s testimony was inconsistent, and he had previously been found to be a dishonest witness in a separate civil case.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/09/11/parti-liyani-case-defence-was-prevented-from-confirming-with-karl-liews-mother-that-he-does-sometimes-wear-womens-clothes-as-he-claimed/</ref> | ||
* He claimed ownership of women’s clothing and accessories in an apparent attempt to incriminate Parti, later justifying this by saying he sometimes wore women’s T-shirts. | * He claimed ownership of women’s clothing and accessories in an apparent attempt to incriminate Parti, later justifying this by saying he sometimes wore women’s T-shirts. | ||
==== '''Unclear Ownership and Valuation of Items''' ==== | |||
* Several items listed as stolen were discarded or unused by the Liew family, casting doubt on whether Parti had truly stolen them. | * Several items listed as stolen were discarded or unused by the Liew family, casting doubt on whether Parti had truly stolen them. | ||
* The Pioneer DVD player, a key piece of evidence, was found to be faulty, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that it was in working condition and had value. | * The Pioneer DVD player, a key piece of evidence, was found to be faulty, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that it was in working condition and had value. | ||
* The trial judge did not sufficiently consider Parti’s explanations that some items were either gifted to her or found discarded. | * The trial judge did not sufficiently consider Parti’s explanations that some items were either gifted to her or found discarded. | ||
==== '''Parti’s Lack of Concern Over Missing Boxes''' ==== | |||
* The lower court inferred guilt from the fact that Parti did not inquire about the fate of her boxes while she was in Indonesia. | * The lower court inferred guilt from the fact that Parti did not inquire about the fate of her boxes while she was in Indonesia. | ||
* Justice Chan found this reasoning flawed, as the boxes contained many of her own items as well, making her supposed lack of concern ambiguous. | * Justice Chan found this reasoning flawed, as the boxes contained many of her own items as well, making her supposed lack of concern ambiguous. | ||
==== '''Failure to Prove Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt''' ==== | |||
* The prosecution did not establish beyond reasonable doubt that Parti had intentionally stolen the items. | * The prosecution did not establish beyond reasonable doubt that Parti had intentionally stolen the items. | ||
* Justice Chan ruled that the various inconsistencies, improper motives, and weak evidence made the conviction unsafe. | * Justice Chan ruled that the various inconsistencies, improper motives, and weak evidence made the conviction unsafe. | ||
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Concluding her statement, she expressed hope that her ordeal would serve as a lesson to prevent similar injustices in the future, aligning with the Indonesian Embassy’s stance that ''"this case shall be the last and shall not be experienced by others in the future."'' | Concluding her statement, she expressed hope that her ordeal would serve as a lesson to prevent similar injustices in the future, aligning with the Indonesian Embassy’s stance that ''"this case shall be the last and shall not be experienced by others in the future."'' | ||
In an interview with HOME, Parti Liyani’s defence counsel, Anil Balchandani shared more about the difficulties of the trial.<ref>Tan, Adeline. "[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/trial-ex-maid-parti-liyani-was-very-very-difficult-lawyer Trial of ex-maid Parti Liyani was ‘very, very difficult’: Lawyer]". ''The New Paper''. September 11, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref> | |||
According to the defence counsel:<blockquote>“I was very impressed by Parti’s resolve. Because someone in her shoes generally faces more than just the pressure from the legal system. There is a family she has to take care of, probably living expenses in Singapore and just the inability to talk to anybody… She could’ve restarted her life, continued working in another country and just thought about what happened in October 2016 as a bad dream.”<ref>HOME. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Az5koGHKo Interview with Anil Balchandani, Parti Liyani’s Defence Lawyer]". ''YouTube''. September 9, 2020. Accessed on 6 October 2020.</ref></blockquote> | |||
==Aftermath== | ==Aftermath== | ||