No one can escape the long arm of the law, especially when it’s as swift and quick as Singapore’s.
Just a day after a series of religiously offensive posts had gone viral, police have nabbed a 19-year-old suspect.
This came after they had received multiple reports against the teen between 7 and 8 Jun.
According to TODAY Online, the teen is suspected to be involved in a series of posts on Instagram allegedly intending to wound religious feelings.
Police received reports about the Temasek Polytechnic (TP) student, posting “insensitive comments and threats” that could “incite violence” against groups of people.
The nature of these posts could also wound religious feelings, as they comprised hate comments, police added.
Jurong Police Division police officers identified him as a 19-year-old Singaporean Chinese male, as per Channel NewsAsia (CNA)’s report.
They swiftly made the arrest, also seizing a laptop, computer, and mobile phone in the process.
Investigations are ongoing.
The suspect is arrested for 2 offences — inciting violence, and wounding religious feelings with offensive comments.
TODAY Online reported that those found guilty of creating documents meant to incite violence could be jailed up to 5 years, fined, or both.
As for posting comments with the intention to wound religious or racial feelings, he faces up to 3 years’ jail, a fine, or both.
With this arrest, police also sent a strict reminder to Singapore residents — acts that may jeopardise racial and religious harmony in the country will not be tolerated.
Last night (8 Jun), news of a 19-year-old student allegedly threatening violence on a religious community had gone viral. He had described “killing” a certain community in a dream.
He had also apparently wrote about burning religious scriptures and posting a video of it online.
TP, which the 19-year-old attends, has acknowledged the incident on Twitter and said they’re currently investigating. The offensive posts have also been taken down.
Offensive narratives – like the aforementioned posts – if gone unchecked, could impact the social fabric of Singapore & normalise certain mindsets or views.
Swift action against the individuals responsible must continue as Singapore is a culturally and racially diverse nation.
That’s why tolerance & sensitivity are crucial in upholding the peace on our little red dot.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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