Chee, the Singapore Democratic Party chief, chose jail over a S$4500 ($2558) fine, which a court had imposed last month for trespassing on government property and attempting to speak without a permit.

"Prison life is harsh but I will continue the struggle for freedom of speech and democracy," the 40-year old Chee said.

"But this is a welcome change, to cuddle my wife and daughters instead of the latrine," Chee said, adding he shared a small cell with two other prisoners.

Under the city state's Public Entertainments and Meetings Act, anyone who wants to make a speech has to obtain a police permit, which is also required to hold public events such as concerts and political rallies.

The former academic has repeatedly tested the free speech laws in Singapore and was awarded fines for two separate convictions in 1999 and another one earlier this year -- all for speaking without a permit.

Chee has been in jail twice before for refusing to pay a fine, once for seven days and another for 12 days, making his latest stay of five weeks the longest yet.

The opposition leader also faces financial ruin and permanent exclusion from parliament after the High Court found him liable for damages in defamation lawsuits brought by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
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