Charges dropped against Canada vice admiral in leaks case

Prosecutors on Wednesday dropped breach of trust charges against the former second in command of Canada's military who had been accused of leaking cabinet secrets related to navy shipbuilding plans.

After reviewing new third party evidence in Vice-Admiral Mark Norman's case, they said they were "no longer of the view that a reasonable prospect of conviction exists."

"In particular, the Crown has concluded that it will not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Norman's conduct in this case amounted to a serious and marked departure from the standards expected of a person in his position of trust," said a statement.

Norman, who was second in command of the military prior to being relieved of duty in January 2017, had been charged with the criminal offense for allegedly having "illegally disclosed government information to unauthorized parties."

According to court documents, Norman was alleged to have provided sensitive government information to a local shipyard that had been selected by the previous Tory administration to provide the navy with an interim supply ship.

He was apparently concerned that the project would be delayed over objections raised by the shipyard's rivals about a lack of competition in awarding the contract.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals put the project on hold when they came to power in 2015, but eventually decided to proceed with it.

Norman's lawyers argued that the charges were politically-motivated -- raising the risk of blowback for the Liberals ahead of October elections.

At a press conference, defense lawyer Marie Henein said Norman and his family had "been through a great deal."

"There is a supply ship that is operational, (delivered) on time and under budget thanks in part to Vice Admiral Norman. I think it's time (for the government) to say sorry to him," she said.

Norman himself said he was now "ready to go back to work."

Singapore passes 'fake news' law despite fierce criticism
Singapore (AFP) May 8, 2019 - Singapore's parliament Wednesday passed laws to combat "fake news" that will allow authorities to order the removal of online content despite fierce criticism from tech giants and rights groups.

They give government ministers powers to order social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false, and in extreme cases get them taken down.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000).

Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Authorities in the tightly-controlled country -- long criticised for restricting civil liberties -- insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods which could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions.

But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies with major bases in the financial hub and journalists' organisations.

The legislation "gives the Singapore authorities unchecked powers to clamp down on online views of which it disapproves," said Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International's regional director for East and Southeast Asia.

"It criminalises free speech and allows the government almost unfettered power to censor dissent. It doesn't even provide any real definition of what is true or false or, even more worrying, 'misleading.'"

- 'Far-reaching legislation' -

The measures were debated for two days in parliament, which is dominated by the ruling People's Action Party, before being passed late Wednesday.

The city-state's small opposition Workers' Party -- with only six elected members in the 89-seat chamber -- opposed the measures.

"To introduce such a bill is not what the government, which claims to defend democracy and public interest, should do," said one of the party's MPs, Low Thia Khiang.

"It is more like the actions of a dictatorial government that will resort to any means to hold on to absolute power."

The Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter, has described it as the "most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date".

But addressing parliament Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said that tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves.

"This is serious business. Tech companies will say many things to try and advocate their position," he said. "We have to show them we are fair, but also firm."

The government stresses the laws target false statements, not opinions, and that ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response rather than fines or jail terms.

Any government decision can be appealed to the courts -- although critics say there are few people who would have the resources or will to take on the authorities.

Critics also note that Singapore already has tough legislation against sedition, defamation and disturbing racial harmony, that can be used to police the web.

The internet has up until now been a relatively free space in Singapore and there are some local alternative news sites, which are typically more critical of the authorities than the traditional, pro-government newspapers and TV.

The financial hub of 5.6 million people is among several countries which have passed laws against fake news.

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Pompeo warns UK over China network role
London (AFP) May 8, 2019
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Britain on Wednesday that allowing China a role in its 5G network risked undermining the historic allies' intelligence sharing, during a visit to London that also highlighted their differences on Iran. Following talks with Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Pompeo also condemned "disgusting" politicians who backed Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, and urged European nations to take back captured Islamic State group fighters. In both a ... read more