SINGAPORE – Facebook user Bryan Lim, who threatened to “open fire” on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, was charged this morning (June 30) for inciting violence towards the LGBT community in Singapore.
Police reports were made against him a few weeks ago after he issued his alleged threat when responding to a Facebook post about foreign sponsorship of a recent LGBT rally in Singapore.
Lim had commented on the Facebook group We Are Against Pink Dot saying: “I am a Singaporean citizen. I am a NSman. I am a father. And I swore to protect my nation. Give me the permission to open fire. I would like to see these £@€$^*s die for their causes.”
If found guilty, Lim faces up to five years’ jail or be fined, or both.
His offensive remarks sparked outrage among netizens, especially members of the LGBT community.
After police reports were made, he apologised online, claiming it was a “misunderstanding” and that his words were taken out of context.
Lim’s employer Canon Singapore said then that it was also investigating the case as the company does not condone “violence in any form”.
Canon said on its Facebook page on June 13: “At Canon Singapore, we live by our philosophy of Kyosei, which we define as all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together for the common good.”(Therefore), we do not condone violence in any form. Thus, we take this issue seriously and are looking into this matter.”
Lim’s case will be up for mention again on Aug 4. His desktop, laptop and phone had been seized. The judge set bail at S$10,000, reported Channel NewsAsia.
chenj@sph.com.sg
The Straits Times
