Singapore criticized for investigating man posted caricatures of Jesus Christ

Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said in a press statement that cartoons "should be tolerated for the sake of free expression."

Photo: Singapore criticized for investigating man posted caricatures of Jesus Christ

The cartoons began appearing on a site in January. One apparently depicted Jesus as a zombie biting a boy's head.

Police said earlier this month that they were investigating allegations that a 21-year-old man posted offensive cartoons, and that distributing "any seditious publication which may cause feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes" is punishable by up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of Singapore $5,000 Singapore dollars.

Singapore's prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has said his government will act against anyone who threatens racial and religious harmony on the Internet or in any other forum, the AP reports.