Amos Yee, the controversial Singaporean figure, is poised for deportation from the United States after his recent release from the Danville Correctional Center in Illinois on 20 November 2023. This follows his six-year sentence for serious crimes involving child pornography and grooming.
The Journey of Amos Yee
Yee, now 27, first gained notoriety a decade ago for his provocative online behaviour, notably an expletive-laden video shortly after the passing of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Since then, his path has been marred by a series of legal issues on both sides of the Pacific.
Timing of Releases
- Initially released on parole on 7 November 2023, Yee was immediately taken back into custody.
- He was finally cleared by the prison on 20 November and released at 7.15am Illinois time.
Following a legal struggle, Yee was granted asylum in March 2017 despite opposition from the US Department of Homeland Security. This was due to claims of political persecution back in Singapore, where he faced legal trouble for his incendiary comments against various religious communities.
Criminal Background in the US
In the US, Yee’s 2021 conviction stemmed from grooming a 14-year-old girl through online platforms, encouraging her to send him illicit photographs. Though he faced multiple charges, a plea deal saw 16 other counts dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea.
Potential Deportation Consequences
Should Yee return to Singapore, he faces additional legal ramifications. According to the Ministry of Defence, Yee will be charged for failing to report for mandatory military enlistment, a serious offence that can lead to fines and imprisonment.
As insults and debates surround this public figure, his saga raises poignant questions about freedom, justice, and the boundaries of expression online.