Teen in LKY hoax gets stern warning

No prosecution for student who posted fake death announcement, say cops

THE police have issued a stern warning to a Singaporean teenager who posted a fake announcement on the supposed death of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 18.

A spokesman said yesterday the police had completed investigations into the case.

The student had circulated online a screenshot, purportedly from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) website, announcing Lee’s death.

“The police have completed investigations into the case reported on March 18, where a fake screenshot of a statement purportedly from the PMO website was circulated.

“The culprit is a male Singaporean student below 16 years of age. In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the police have issued him with a stern warning in lieu of prosecution,” the statement said.

Further details in a separate statement issued by the AGC revealed that no “hacking” or unauthorised access of the PMO website had taken place. It also explained that the student had never intended for his message to be so widely disseminated.

“He created the image because he was frustrated with the frequent rumours about the demise of Mr Lee. He wanted to demonstrate to his friends how easy it was for a hoax to be perpetuated,” said the AGC statement.

After sharing it with his friends, however, the image was quickly forwarded by one or more of the original recipients despite him informing them that it was a fake.

The AGC said the decision to issue a stern warning to the student was taken after “careful consideration of all relevant factors”, including his personal circumstances and readiness to accept responsibility. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network