4 drivers to have pre-trial conference in Singapore

The four Chinese bus drivers charged with instigating an illegal strike in Singapore appeared on Wednesday for a pre-trial conference.

There will be another pre-trial conference on Jan. 10, 2013, lawyers representing the drivers said.

Mark Goh, one of the lawyers representing the drivers, said that the judge had advised the lawyer to submit some documents to the prosecutors before Dec. 28 this year, clarifying whether they are asking for the prosecution to drop the case or reduce the penalty demanded.

The four Chinese drivers have not yet decided what to do next, he added.

Lawyers in Singapore said the judges typically give certain directions for both the prosecution and defense during the co- called pre-trial conference, like what documents both sides should submit and the timetable for the proceedings. The pre-trial conference could be held more than once, depending on the judge's consideration with different cases.

Goh had said earlier that there are generally three options for the drivers -- claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the deputy public prosecutor for the charges to be reduced.

Some 180 Chinese bus drivers working with Singapore public transport operator SMRT took medical leave at the same time on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 in protest against unequal treatment in pay rises and discriminatory practices of the company that the drivers said existed at the firm.

However, their actions were deemed to have been against the law in Singapore, as the laws and rules in place in the city state make it very difficult to have a strike without breaking the law. The government has said, too, that it has zero tolerance for illegal strikes, especially in essential services like transport.

Five drivers were charged over the illegal strike and 29 others were deported to China. One of the five drivers had pleaded guilty without a lawyer and was sentenced to six weeks in jail.

The other four, charged with instigating an illegal strike, were granted bail on Dec. 6. Some members of local non- governmental organizations personally bailed them out with a total sum of 50,000 Singapore dollars (40,000 U.S. dollars). Part of the money came from donations by the Singaporean colleagues of the drivers, according to local media reports.