SINGAPORE: Police on Sunday announced that it had
arrested two 17-year-olds for posting racist remarks
online.
In a statement, police said the remarks could lead
to ill-will and hostility between the different races in
Singapore.
The arrests came after authorities received reports
on Wednesday that racist remarks were being posted on Facebook and
Twitter.
The suspects, both boys, were nabbed over the next two days.
A person convicted under the Sedition Act could be fined up to
S$5,000 and jailed up to 3 years.
Police said the right to free speech does not extend to making
remarks that incite racial and religious conflict.
The public should also refrain from re-posting and adding on to
comments that may inflame the situation.
The commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant
Commissioner of Police How Kwang Hwee, said: "The Internet may be a
convenient medium to express one's views but members of the public
should bear in mind that they are no less accountable for their
actions online."
"Police take a very stern view of acts that could threaten the
social harmony in Singapore."
- CNA/wm
