TOC resumes operations after receiving donations to purchase new equipment

Local socio-political website The Online Citizen (TOC) is resuming operations after a short hiatus, after receiving donations to purchase new equipment.

Last week, TOC revealed on Facebook that the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is investigating the editor of the website over an alleged offence of criminal defamation. The website added that all electronic equipment used for the purpose of the website have been seized by the SPF:

“The equipment, which include desktop, mobile devices and laptops, was seized at the residence of Terry Xu in the presence of five police officers this morning. No confirmed date of return has been given as investigation will take some time to conclude.”

The only editor of the website, Terry Xu, was summoned to the Cantonment Police Station at 3pm yesterday. The website announced that it will be on ‘hiatus for the time being’.

Yesterday, Xu posted a note on the website that TOC will be resuming operations even as the police investigations continue thanks to the kind contributions of donors that has allowed him to purchase new equipment. He added:

“Other than purchase of new hardware, a number of kind hearted individuals have signed up as supporters on Patreon or subscribers to the site. In light of such support, we cannot but to continue our work to repay their kindness.

“We would like to express our thanks to all who have contributed so far, whether it is in monetary or in contribution of article and information.”

Xu further said that TOC will be fundraising to expand its team, so that the website can run even if further action is taken against him:

“As there is the risk of me being arrested and put to jail, there is an urgent need to ensure that the publication is able to run even with me behind bars especially during the election period.

“With your support, my team and I pledge to continue our work till the day we have exhausted all available resources or forced to have our operations ceased.”