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Blogger faces sedition charges for cartoons mocking Jesus Christ, according to reports

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A Singaporean blogger faces sedition charges for posting cartoons mocking Jesus Christ, reports coming out of the city-state are saying.

The unidentified blogger has taken down the offending cartoons from his website, the "Singapore Straits Times" reported, even as police are said to be pressing on with an investigation.

The Agence France Presse quoted a police statement as emphasising that "it is a serious offense for any person to distribute or reproduce any seditious publication which may cause feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes. If found guilty under Singapore's strict Sedition Act, the blogger - described by the "Straits Times" only as a 21-year-old office worker - could face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 Singapore dollars (approximately US$3,150).

Singapore, a multi-racial island nation, is the wealthiest and most developed state in Southeast Asia, but has one of the strictest regimes for free expression. On top of their intolerance for political dissent or discussions, authorities are wary of writings and actions that could incite tension along ethnic or religious lines. In 2005, two men were jailed for anti-Muslim blogs.