New book on political cartoons banned in Singapore for objectionable content that denigrates religions

[SINGAPORE] A new book on political cartoons will not be allowed to be sold or distributed here as the authorities have assessed that it contains objectionable content that denigrates religions.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Monday (Nov 1) that it has classified the book Red Lines: Political Cartoons And The Struggle Against Censorship to be objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act.

"This is because the publication contains offensive images that denigrate religions, including reproductions of Charlie Hebdo's cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, which led to protests and violence overseas," said IMDA.

The authority added that the book, published in August, also contained other denigratory references pertaining to Hinduism and Christianity.

The book is by Dr Cherian George, a media studies lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University and graphic novelist Sonny Liew, and has already been distributed in other countries like the United States.

The book examines political cartoons from all over the world and explains the various motivations and methods of cartoon censorship.

Together with the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Home Affairs, IMDA identified 29 images that are objectionable. "Members of the public are advised not to share the offensive images which denigrate religions and religious figures," said IMDA.

The book distributor, Alkem Company, had approached IMDA to review the content several months ago, and the authority said that it has engaged the distributor on its decision.

IMDA generally takes about one to two months to review publications.

The Charlie Hebdo cartoons, which first appeared in 2006, have been widely labelled as irresponsible, reckless and racist, said IMDA, adding that most major publications had refused to reproduce the cartoons as they were deemed incendiary.

The cartoons have sparked protests around the world, including Indonesia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom. They have also resulted in violence, including attacks on the original publisher's premises and staff, and 12 people were killed.

Last year, a French teacher was killed by three teenagers after he showed his students caricatures of Prophet Muhammad during a lesson.

Under the Undesirable Publications Act, anyone convicted of importing, selling, distributing, making or reproducing an objectionable publication is liable to a fine of up to S$5,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 12 months.

IMDA said that in the last five years, it has classified six other publications to be objectionable for denigrating various religious communities.

THE STRAITS TIMES