World
French teenager fined in Singapore over viral straw licking stunt
A 19-year-old French teenager has been fined $465 in Singapore after a video of his straw-licking stunt went viral online.
By The Victoria Brief News Desk
1 min read
A 19-year-old French teenager has been fined $465 in Singapore after a video of him performing a straw-licking stunt went viral.
According to wire reports, the teenager was penalised following the incident, which attracted significant attention online. While the specific charges and the location where the stunt took place have not been confirmed in the initial reports, the case has highlighted the city-state's strict approach to public behaviour and hygiene.
The identity of the teenager has not been released. His legal representatives told the court that the 19-year-old was "truly sorry" for causing trouble, suggesting the act was a misguided attempt at online engagement rather than an intentional act of malice.
It remains unclear whether the fine of $465 is in Singaporean dollars or another currency, as the initial court reports did not specify the denomination. It is also not yet known if the teenager is in Singapore on a tourist visa, as a student, or as a resident, nor whether the conviction will impact his ability to remain in the country.
Singapore is well known for its stringent laws surrounding public cleanliness and order, with authorities regularly prosecuting acts that are deemed to threaten public health or social cohesion. This latest ruling serves as a warning to social media users about the potential legal consequences of performing disruptive stunts for online views.
Watch to see whether Singaporean authorities release further guidelines for international visitors regarding social media conduct and public hygiene laws.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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