Banned Books in Singapore Include ‘Red Lines’ for ‘Irresponsible, Reckless, and Racist’ Content

Singapore — Singapore has added a new title to its growing list of banned books in Singapore. The controversial book on censorship, “Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship,” has been banned from distribution in the city-state due to its “offensive images,” including contentious cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed.

Singapore, primarily comprised of ethnic Chinese but also home to a significant Muslim minority, is known for its strict laws designed to prevent the promotion of ill will between religious or racial groups.

The book, “Red Lines: Political Cartoons and the Struggle Against Censorship” is banned from distribution in Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Monday.

It has been deemed “objectionable” because it contains reproductions of cartoons published by the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, which led to violence and protests overseas, the regulator added.

“The offensive Charlie Hebdo cartoons first appeared in 2006 and have been widely labeled as irresponsible, reckless and racist,” it said in a statement.

“Red Lines” is by Cherian George, a Singaporean media professor now based in Hong Kong, and Sonny Liew, an award-winning Singaporean cartoonist.

Published in August, it features interviews with censored cartoonists around the world and explores censorship in graphic form.

In response to the ban, George said the authors “did not agree with how Charlie Hebdo used cartoons that promoted anti-Muslim attitudes in Europe”.

“We showed a small number of them as examples of hate speech,” he said in a statement to AFP. “The intention was to educate readers about how some cartoons can harm vulnerable minorities in the West.”

He said they knew some countries, like Singapore, would not accept the images and were prepared to edit the book for these markets, but the city-state chose to ban the book instead of letting them make the changes.

According to the IMDA, the book also contained denigratory references to Hinduism and Christianity.

Anyone convicted of importing, selling, distributing, making, or reproducing an objectionable publication faces a fine of up to 5,000 Singaporean dollars (US$3,700), imprisonment of up to a year, or both.

The French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo first joined some other European titles in publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in 2006.

This event brings to mind the 2015 massacre at the office of Charlie Hebdo, following its decision to reprint some of the controversial images. The incident saw 12 people killed and sparked a global conversation about the extent of freedom of expression.

The decision by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to defend the right to publish cartoons subsequently ignited heated protests across Asia and the Middle East, further highlighting the global divide over the issue of censorship.

As it stands, “Red Lines” joins the existing banned books in Singapore, highlighting the city-state’s continuing efforts to maintain racial and religious harmony./AFP

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