Flaming Flag Incident Sparks Courtroom Drama
A 25‑year‑old Singaporean, Elson Ong Yong Liang, faced the law after setting a nation’s flag ablaze – and the whole flag‑fied story goes something like this.
The Ignition
- The incident unfolded early Sunday morning on the 13th floor of Block 774, Woodlands Crescent.
- Armed with a lighter, Elson lit the flag, which was hanging in a communal hallway.
- The fiery mishap didn’t stop at one flag – it sparked damage to seven others spread across different floors.
Police Response
At around noon, officers heard the blaze and rushed to the scene. Using CCTV footage and on‑the‑spot inquiries, they pinpointed Elson as the culprit and took him into custody that very Wednesday.
Legal Proceedings
- Elson appeared via video link on Thursday, Aug 8, before District Judge Terence Tay.
- No bail was offered; he is currently held at Woodlands Police Division.
- The case is adjourned to Aug 15.
- Conviction could mean up to seven years in jail and a hefty fine.
Flag‑Policy Reminder
During National Day celebrations (July 1 – Sept 30), residents can wave the flag without a pole. But that’s no excuse for torching it, as Elson’s mischief shows!
— This piece was originally published in the Straits Times. Replication requires permission.
