Amos was convicted on 12 May 2015 on two charges, one of wounding religiousfeelings under section 298 of the penal code and another for circulatingobscene imagery under 292 (1) of the Penal Code. Amos had pleaded notguilty to both offences.
OHCHR understands that at the request of the prosecution, Amos is currentlybeing assessed for his suitability for the Reformative Training Centre fora period of at least 18 months. OHCHR is concerned that the ReformativeTraining Centre is akin to detention and usually applied to juvenile
offenders involved in serious crimes. The District Court of Singapore in arecent case involving a juvenile recognized that the Reformative TrainingCentre is incarcerative in nature and should be imposed cautiously.
While recognizing the Singapore authorities concern with public moralityand social harmony, OHCHR is concerned that the criminal sanctionsconsidered in this case seem disproportionate and inappropriate in terms ofthe international protections for freedom of expression and opinion.
While Amos himself has refused the option of probation, OHCHR appeals tothe Singapore authorities to give special consideration to his juvenilestatus and ensure his treatment is consistent with the best interests ofthe child, the principle that lies at the heart of the Convention on theRights of the Child, to which Singapore is a party.
OHCHR urges the Government to review the conviction of Amos Yee and theprosecutors to drop the demand for sentencing him to the ReformativeTraining Centre. OHCHR calls for the immediate release of Amos in line withits commitment under the UN Convention on the Rights of Child. OHCHR alsohopes that the judiciary will exercise its authority in the protection ofhuman rights including the rights of the child.