Singapore expels Indian imam for remarks against Jews, Christians during sermon
Singapore has ordered the expulsion of an Indian imam after he made remarks against Jews and Christians during his Friday sermon at a mosque.
Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, the chief imam at the Jamae Chulia Mosque, was fined SG$4,000 (US$ 2,860) after he pleaded guilty at the State Courts to a charge of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement that Jameel has paid the fine and will be repatriated.
"Any religious leader from any religion who makes such statements will be held accountable for their actions," the MHA said, as reported by Times of India.
"Under Singapore law, we cannot, regardless of his religion, allow anyone to preach or act divisively and justify that by reference to a religious text," it continued.
A video that circulated online in February reportedly featured the imam reciting a prayer in Arabic, saying "God help us against Jews and Christians." Jameel came under police investigation after the video was posted on Facebook and sparked a heated debate. The controversy prompted Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim to call for peace and unity in the Muslim community.
The 46-year-old imam, popularly known as "Nalla," admitted making the remarks and issued an apology.
On Friday, Jameel apologized in front of Christian, Sikh, Taoist, Buddhist, and Hindu representatives, as well as members of the Federation of Indian Muslims. He also visited Rabbi Mordechai Abergel at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue to ask for forgiveness.
Abergel accepted his apology on behalf of the Jewish community in Singapore and highlighted the need to be constantly conscious of the delicate harmonious co-existence of the country's diverse communities.
Jameel's lawyer, Noor Marican, reportedly said that he has accepted the punishment and is grateful that he was not sentenced to prison.
"I fully respect the laws of the land and appreciate the concerns of her people," Jameel was quoted as saying.
"I am truly sorry that I had offended you, and I must bear full responsibility for my actions." he went on to say.
According to Hindustan Times, the imam could have been punished with three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for promoting enmity between different groups.
The authorities also gave a stern warning to Terence Kenneth John Nunis, who released the video recording of the imam's sermon, as the public prosecutor assessed that his actions were in breach of the law.