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Singapore police arrest teen for uploading video critical of Lee Kuan Yew

In the video, Amos Yee described the former prime minister as a “horrible person” and claimed Singaporeans are too fearful to be vocal about Lee Kuan Yew's authoritarian rule.

By Elizabeth Shim
Amos Yee, 17, has been arrested by Singapore police for uploading a video critical of deceased former leader Lee Kuan Yew. Photo by Amos Yee/YouTube
Amos Yee, 17, has been arrested by Singapore police for uploading a video critical of deceased former leader Lee Kuan Yew. Photo by Amos Yee/YouTube

SINGAPORE, March 30 (UPI) -- A Singaporean teenager has been arrested for uploading an eight-minute video that slams former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and attacks Christian views.

The Guardian reported Amos Yee, 17, uploaded a video titled "Lee Kuan Yew is Finally Dead!" on March 27, a few days after Lee passed away at the age of 91 from severe pneumonia.

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In the video, Yee described the former prime minister as a "horrible person," and claimed everyone in Singapore is afraid to be vocal about the legacy of the leader's period of authoritarian rule.

Yee also tackled Christian views by comparing Lee to Jesus Christ. Both are "power-hungry and malicious, but deceive others into thinking they are both compassionate and kind," Lee said.

Attorney Chia Boon Teck, who filed one of several police reports against Yee, said the 17-year-old had committed defamation under Singapore's penal code and his remarks on Christianity were equivalent to a "deliberate intent to wound religious feelings."

Teck said there is a "limit to freedom of speech" in Singapore and when a line is crossed the "person will have to face the consequences."

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The Straits Times of Singapore reported Yee also challenged current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to sue him, and his video has led to 20 police reports against him.

Lee Kuan Yew's death has been a major event in Singapore. Last week, Singapore held a seven-day mourning period.

The Guardian reported many stood in line for hours to pay respect to the departed leader.

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