85-Year-Old Doctor Charged Over Offensive Religious Online Post

 

An 85-year-old doctor, Kho Kwang Po, has been charged in Singapore for making offensive online remarks against Muslims. The case stems from a Facebook post he uploaded on April 21, 2021, which contained statements linking Muslims to violence and crime while also accusing religious leaders of dishonesty.

Kho was charged under a law that criminalizes deliberate acts intended to wound the religious or racial feelings of others. If found guilty, he faces a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both.

According to the charge sheet, Kho had initially created and posted the remarks several years earlier before reposting screenshots of them in April 2021. The police received reports about his online activity on June 29 and 30, 2021, triggering an investigation.

However, Kho left Singapore in January 2022 while investigations were ongoing, only returning in October 2024. Upon his return, legal proceedings resumed, leading to his court appearance on February 26.

During the hearing, Kho appeared without a lawyer. When asked by the judge about his intentions, he stated that he planned to plead guilty. The judge then inquired if he wished to engage legal representation for mitigation, but Kho declined. His case has been adjourned to April 9 for a plead guilty mention.

Kho has been a controversial figure in Singapore. He previously made headlines for co-authoring a letter that called for an end to Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination program. This latest charge, however, pertains specifically to his social media activity.

The Singapore government has strict laws against hate speech and actions that could disrupt religious harmony. Authorities have taken a firm stance on individuals who make inflammatory remarks about race or religion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social cohesion in a multiracial and multi-religious society.

Public reaction to Kho’s case has been mixed. Some believe that freedom of speech should be protected, while others argue that spreading hate speech under the guise of free expression is unacceptable. Cases like this serve as a reminder of the legal and social consequences of making offensive remarks about religion in Singapore.

With Kho indicating his intention to plead guilty, the next hearing will likely determine his sentence. Whether he will receive a fine, jail time, or both remains to be seen.