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Singapore court releases full reasons for acquitting actor Panfilov of rape charge

Singapore's Court of Appeal has released comprehensive written grounds explaining its decision to acquit former local entertainment figure Lev Panfilov of rape allegations. The detailed judgment provides the appellate court's full legal reasoning in the high-profile case.

LSN Singapore · 7 November 2026

The Court of Appeal has published its complete written reasons for overturning a rape conviction against Lev Panfilov, a former performer in the local entertainment industry. The release of the full judgment provides transparency into the appellate court's decision-making process and legal findings in the closely-watched case.

Panfilov, who had appeared in local productions, had been previously convicted at trial but successfully appealed the conviction. The appellate court's detailed grounds outline the judicial reasoning behind the acquittal and address key evidentiary and legal issues raised during the proceedings.

The publication of comprehensive written grounds is standard practice for Singapore's appellate courts in significant cases, ensuring public understanding of judicial decisions and upholding principles of transparency in the legal system. The detailed judgment allows for scrutiny of the court's application of law to the facts presented.

The case has drawn attention within Singapore's entertainment community and broader public discourse. The release of the full written judgment concludes this chapter of the legal proceedings, with the Court of Appeal's decision now forming part of the public record.