WHEN full-time national serviceman Prhabagaran joined a Facebook discussion on the things parents do to frighten their children into behaving, he expected to be amused.

Instead, he was offended to find remarks being made about Indians. He felt some of the comments were racist, and made a police report on Jan 31.

On Wednesday, police said three Chinese youths aged between 17 and 18 had been arrested for sedition and were out on bail while investigations continued.

Three youths arrested over Facebook remarks

POLICE have arrested three Chinese youths for posting racist remarks on popular social networking site Facebook.

The trio, aged between 17 and 18, are believed to be active members of a Facebook group which is named after a derogatory term to describe Indians.

Following a report lodged last Saturday, police conducted extensive inquiries and established the identity of the suspects.

All three suspects were arrested on 31 Jan 2010 and have since been released on bail. Investigations into the case are on-going.

Under the Sedition Act, anyone found guilty of promoting feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore shall be liable, on conviction for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police, Teo Chun Ching said; "Police take a very stern view of acts that could threaten the social harmony in Singapore. The Internet may be a convenient medium to express one's views but members of the public should bear in mind that they are no less accountable for their actions online."

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