A 40-year-old man, Shawn Loo Zhi Jian, was charged in court on Friday, December 26, following the death of former human rights lawyer M. Ravi. The incident has been classified as an unnatural death.
Loo faces one charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act for allegedly arranging a gathering to consume controlled drugs. The gathering reportedly took place at a residential flat along Upper Boon Keng Road in the early hours of Wednesday.
Key Details of the Incident
Authorities were alerted to an urgent medical case at the apartment at approximately 5:40 am on December 24. Paramedics found Ravi, 56, unconscious at the scene. He was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
During initial questioning, Loo reportedly admitted to consuming drugs with Ravi several hours before the medical emergency. He informed police that the drugs belonged to him and that he had attempted to perform CPR on Ravi after he showed “concerning symptoms.”
Police and CNB Investigations
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) issued a joint statement confirming that drug-related items were seized from the flat. Loo’s instant urine test returned positive for a controlled drug, pending further laboratory confirmation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two men had known each other since 2023. They reportedly first met through a social networking application and had met at the flat specifically to consume drugs and engage in other activities.
Legacy of M. Ravi
M. Ravi was a prominent yet controversial figure in Singapore’s legal scene for over two decades. He was best known for his fierce advocacy against the death penalty and his landmark constitutional challenges, including early legal fights against Section 377A.
Despite his professional contributions, Ravi’s career was often overshadowed by his struggle with bipolar disorder and numerous disciplinary actions. He was officially struck off the rolls by the Court of Three Judges in 2024.
Legal Consequences
The court has adjourned Loo’s case until early January 2026 to allow for the completion of forensic tests and the retrieval of security footage. Loo, an assistant vice president at a foreign bank, remains under investigation.
Under Singapore law, the penalty for arranging a gathering for drug consumption is severe. If convicted, an individual can face up to 20 years in prison and 10 strokes of the cane.
