Advertisement

Singapore rapper Subhas Nair charged with sowing division over racism comments

  • Outspoken rapper Subhas Nair was charged over a 2019 rap video and social media comments aimed at the city state’s ethnic Chinese majority
  • He is accused of suggesting that ethnic Chinese citizens receive preferential treatment from Singapore’s law enforcement agencies

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
8
Rapper Subhas Nair arrives at court in Singapore on Monday. Photo: AFP

A controversial Singaporean rapper of Indian descent who has accused authorities of racism may face jail after being charged on Monday with sowing divisions between the city state’s different ethnic and religious groups.

Advertisement
Singapore’s government has long sought to promote racial harmony among its diverse population of 5.5 million, but some still complain that the ethnic Chinese majority enjoy greater privileges.

Outspoken rapper Subhas Nair faced four counts when he appeared in court on Monday over offences that allegedly occurred between 2019 and this year.

Subhas Nair arrives at court with his influencer sister Preetipls in Singapore on Monday. Photo: AFP
Subhas Nair arrives at court with his influencer sister Preetipls in Singapore on Monday. Photo: AFP

According to charge sheets, the 29-year-old made comments on social media appearing to suggest an ethnic Chinese man involved in the death of an Indian received lenient treatment from authorities because of his race.

Advertisement

He allegedly posted further remarks on Instagram suggesting Chinese Christians are treated more leniently than Muslims over hate speech.

Advertisement