A Singapore court charged a man on September 26 over a series of offenses, including an alleged arson incident involving an undergarment at a Raffles Place mosque entrance, using insulting words at a church, and multiple counts of theft. Martin See Hock Leng faces four distinct charges spanning offenses committed between May and September.
Mosque Arson Charge at Raffles Place
Court documents state that the fire was ignited at approximately 8:05 p.m. on September 25 outside Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali, situated in the basement of UOB Plaza at 80 Raffles Place. Police reported that a member of the public extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported from the incident. See is formally charged with causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Novena Church Incident and Theft Charges
In addition to the fire-related charge, See faces a charge of using insulting words with intent to cause harassment. According to court records, the incident occurred on June 24 at Novena Church, where See allegedly told a man who was kneeling and praying: “You are Hindu. You go out immediately.” Conviction for this charge carries a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
See also faces two counts of theft stemming from incidents in May. Authorities state he stole an eyewear frame valued at $249 from a retail shop at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road on May 16, followed by the theft of a $15 silver necklace from a shop in Arab Street on May 23. Court records confirm that See was under a remission order at the time of the first theft, requiring him to keep out of trouble between April 15 and May 18. Theft convictions carry a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, or a fine.
Institute of Mental Health Remand and Next Court Date
During the court hearing, the judge ordered the accused to be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for a medical examination. See’s legal proceedings are scheduled to resume when his case is mentioned again in October.
