Singaporean authorities have introduced a new law prohibiting individuals receiving criminal legal aid from entering casinos, slot machine venues, or accessing gambling accounts associated with Singapore pools. The Straits Times reports that the Public Defense Office (PDO) has confirmed that this restriction applies to all defendants receiving legal aid in criminal cases.
Under the new regulation, individuals receiving legal aid will be barred from accessing gambling establishments until two weeks after the conclusion of their legal assistance or the completion of their trial. This measure aims to safeguard the financial well-being of legal aid recipients, particularly given their vulnerable circumstances, according to a spokesperson from the Justice Department. The spokesperson added that only a minority of individuals facing prosecution are interested in gambling.
The PDO, established in December 2022 under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), provides legal assistance and protection to all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Conversely, individuals in need of legal aid or protection can seek assistance from the department.
