The Attorney-General’s Chambers yesterday also urged the public and the media not to make or report any statements on the ongoing Coroner’s Inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd, which could be construed as an attempt to “improperly influence the decision” of the State Coroner, or cast aspersions on the independence of the proceedings.

Last week, Dr Todd’s parents issued an open letter to “media outlets and elected officials” regarding their son’s death, along with documents and photographs which made public for the first time Dr Todd’s room and the marks around his neck. He was found hanged in his Singapore apartment in June last year and his parents, who walked out of the inquiry last month, believe he was murdered due to his work on a sensitive project.

Closing submissions are set to be presented on Monday. ASHLEY CHIA