A 21-year-old man will be charged with making Insta-story posts with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person under Section 298 of the Penal Code.
Between 7 and 8 June 2020, the Police received many reports regarding an Instagram user who had posted insensitive comments and threats that could incite violence against the Muslim community. The posts also contained hate comments that could wound religious feelings.
Through investigation, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 8 June 2020. A laptop, a computer and a mobile handphone were seized.
The offence of uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person under Section 298 of the Penal Code, carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The man is also facing two other unrelated charges of making insulting communication, which is seen or otherwise perceived by any person as likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress under Section 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act, which is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000; and possession of obscene films under Section 30 of the Films Act, which is punishable with a fine of up to $20,000 or an imprisonment term of up to six months, or to both.
The Police take a serious view of acts that have the potential to damage racial and religious harmony in Singapore. Any person who makes remarks or takes action that can cause ill-will and hostility between different races or religions will be dealt with firmly.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 December 2021 @ 11:20 AM