Lawyers told CNA that Iswaran’s bail conditions are similar to those faced by other defendants and are designed to prevent him from absconding.
Mr Yeo pointed out that while the additional bail of S$500,000 was unusual in itself, it needed to be considered in context.
“In this case, Mr. Iswaran’s bail was originally set at S$800,000, so a further bail of S$500,000 is expected,” he added.
“Notably, this bail must be provided by someone other than the defendant, and the bail holder is not allowed to compensate the bail holder for damages if the defendant absconds; It cannot be paid directly or indirectly by the defendant.
Chin noted that the amount of bail imposed typically depends on factors such as the defendant’s alleged crime and the likelihood of absconding if bail is too low.
Were there any high-profile defendants who applied to leave Singapore?
In 2010, British author Alan Shandrake said he would apply to leave Singapore after being sentenced to six weeks in prison and a S$20,000 fine for contempt of court. At the time, this was the heaviest punishment handed down for a judicial scandal.
It ultimately decided to oppose the application after the Attorney-General’s Chambers opposed the possibility of it. The court also said he may have to post security of around S$80,000.
Kong Hee, the founding pastor of megachurch City Harvest, was granted permission to travel abroad in 2012, but at the time he was accused of misappropriating millions of dollars in church funds.
His bail was increased from the original S$500,000, but his lawyer refused to disclose the new amount, itinerary or travel dates. Kong was then released from prison.