- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
- Messages
- 33,627
- Points
- 0
[h=2]Police on MRT train hoax: We do not give legal advice[/h]
June 28th, 2012 |
Author: Editorial
Ex-SPH staff Samantha Francis made up the door-opening MRT train story which was published on STOMP.
Following the sacking of STOMP content producer, Samantha Francis, from SPH, TR Emeritus (TRE) wrote an editorial article (‘Can ex-SPH staff be arrested for MRT train hoax like the youth in SAF hoax?‘) asking if the ex-SPH staff can likewise be arrested for the MRT train hoax like the youth in SAF hoax.
Ex-SPH staff Samantha Francis has earlier admitted to posting the online hoax that a moving MRT train was operating with its door opened on STOMP (‘SPH staff posed as ‘citizen journalist’ on STOMP‘). For her deed, she was sacked by SPH but she was not arrested.
On 15 Feb 2012, a 19-year-old youth was arrested by the police for posting an online hoax on his blog that a full-time national serviceman was shot dead during a training accident. Apparently, MINDEF had made a police report against the youth. According to the police, the youth was arrested for an offence of Transmitting a False or Fabricated message under the Telecommunications Act (Cap 323), section 45. The offence carries a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years or both.
At the time, MINDEF issued a strong statement with regard to the incident: “MINDEF takes a very serious view of hoaxes that undermine public confidence in the Singapore Armed Forces and cause undue alarm to the public.”
TR Emeritus then wrote to the Police:
Here’s the official reply from the Police. It stated that the Police do not give legal advice and will only do so if an incident is reported. We produce the reply in full below:
Following the sacking of STOMP content producer, Samantha Francis, from SPH, TR Emeritus (TRE) wrote an editorial article (‘Can ex-SPH staff be arrested for MRT train hoax like the youth in SAF hoax?‘) asking if the ex-SPH staff can likewise be arrested for the MRT train hoax like the youth in SAF hoax.
Ex-SPH staff Samantha Francis has earlier admitted to posting the online hoax that a moving MRT train was operating with its door opened on STOMP (‘SPH staff posed as ‘citizen journalist’ on STOMP‘). For her deed, she was sacked by SPH but she was not arrested.
On 15 Feb 2012, a 19-year-old youth was arrested by the police for posting an online hoax on his blog that a full-time national serviceman was shot dead during a training accident. Apparently, MINDEF had made a police report against the youth. According to the police, the youth was arrested for an offence of Transmitting a False or Fabricated message under the Telecommunications Act (Cap 323), section 45. The offence carries a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years or both.
At the time, MINDEF issued a strong statement with regard to the incident: “MINDEF takes a very serious view of hoaxes that undermine public confidence in the Singapore Armed Forces and cause undue alarm to the public.”
TR Emeritus then wrote to the Police:
Many of our readers are wondering if the ex-SPH staff Samantha Francis who posted the online hoax that a moving MRT train was operating with its door opened, will be arrested under the Telecommunications Act (Cap 323) Section 45 for sending false message. After all, according to SPH’s own news report, she has already admitted to the fabrication.
Her case could be seen as something similar to the one on 15 Feb 2012 when a 19-year-old youth was arrested by the police for posting an online hoax that a full-time national serviceman was shot dead during a training accident. From reports, the youth was arrested under the Telecommunications Act (Cap 323) Section 45 for sending false message.
As in the youth’s case, the posting of online MRT train hoax by Ms Francis can also undermine public confidence and cause undue alarm to the public too.
Was wondering what is SPF’s position on this matter?
Thank you.
.Her case could be seen as something similar to the one on 15 Feb 2012 when a 19-year-old youth was arrested by the police for posting an online hoax that a full-time national serviceman was shot dead during a training accident. From reports, the youth was arrested under the Telecommunications Act (Cap 323) Section 45 for sending false message.
As in the youth’s case, the posting of online MRT train hoax by Ms Francis can also undermine public confidence and cause undue alarm to the public too.
Was wondering what is SPF’s position on this matter?
Thank you.
Here’s the official reply from the Police. It stated that the Police do not give legal advice and will only do so if an incident is reported. We produce the reply in full below:
From: SPF Customer Relations Branch (SPF)
Date: Thu, Jun 28, 2012 at 4:49 PM
Subject: (SR#: SR/20120626/0516) – Activity # – 1-JCK1K: (CRB 5326/2012) MRT Train Hoax
.
Dear Sir
We refer to your email dated 26 June 2012.
2 The Police do not give legal advice. The police only gives advice if an incident has been reported and to determine if the matter require police action/attention.
3 Thank you.
.
Yours faithfully
Jeff KHOO
Customer Relations Officer
Customer Relations Branch
Service Development & Inspectorate Department | Singapore Police Force
DID: 1800- 3580000 | E-mail: [email protected]
Date: Thu, Jun 28, 2012 at 4:49 PM
Subject: (SR#: SR/20120626/0516) – Activity # – 1-JCK1K: (CRB 5326/2012) MRT Train Hoax
.
Dear Sir
We refer to your email dated 26 June 2012.
2 The Police do not give legal advice. The police only gives advice if an incident has been reported and to determine if the matter require police action/attention.
3 Thank you.
.
Yours faithfully
Jeff KHOO
Customer Relations Officer
Customer Relations Branch
Service Development & Inspectorate Department | Singapore Police Force
DID: 1800- 3580000 | E-mail: [email protected]
