Bryan Lim charged for threatening to 'open fire' on LGBT community in Singapore

SINGAPORE - Facebook user Bryan Lim, who threatened to "open fire" on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, was charged this morning (June 30) for inciting violence towards the LGBT community in Singapore.

Police reports were made against him a few weeks ago after he issued his alleged threat when responding to a Facebook post about foreign sponsorship of a recent LGBT rally in Singapore.

Lim (photo below) had commented on the Facebook group We Are Against Pink Dot saying: "I am a Singaporean citizen. I am a NSman. I am a father. And I swore to protect my nation. Give me the permission to open fire. I would like to see these £@€$^*s die for their causes."

If found guilty, Lim faces up to five years' jail or be fined, or both.

His offensive remarks sparked outrage among netizens, especially members of the LGBT community.

After police reports were made, he apologised online, claiming it was a "misunderstanding" and that his words were taken out of context.

Lim's employer Canon Singapore said then that it was also investigating the case as the company does not condone "violence in any form".

Canon said on its Facebook page on June 13: "At Canon Singapore, we live by our philosophy of Kyosei, which we define as all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together for the common good."(Therefore), we do not condone violence in any form. Thus, we take this issue seriously and are looking into this matter."

Lim's case will be up for mention again on Aug 4. His desktop, laptop and phone had been seized. The judge set bail at S$10,000, reported Channel NewsAsia.

Anti-Pink Dot group expresses disappointment

Members of the Facebook group We Are Against Pink Dot have voiced their support for Lim while expressing disappointment over the case.

One indignant member, a Michael Sheridan, declared: "It's official, the war has started." His comment was quickly flagged by netizen Daniel Anthony who called the group "a bunch of ignorant bigots".

Michael Sheridan retorted: "Calling us as bigot is hate speech. Going to file Police report".

He also asked the rest whether there would be a donation drive in support of Lim.

Related: Singaporean man threatens to 'open fire' in online post

chenj@sph.com.sg

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We are against Pink Dot in Singapore group

Some in LGBT community want Lim's employer Canon to take action