Man accused of stabbing priest during mass in Singapore

The wealthy Southeast Asian city-state of 6 million is known for its safety, but its crime rate rose 4.1% to 10,106 in the first half of 2024 from a year ago, police data showed.

In the indictment, it was stated that 37-year-old Basnayake Keith Spencer was accused of stabbing church priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng (57) in the mouth with a folding knife during the service held at St Joseph Church in the luxurious Bukit Timah district on Saturday evening.

Spencer was disarmed and detained by members of the congregation until police officers arrived. Four other weapons on his person included a pocket knife and a mallet, authorities said.

“There is currently no evidence to suggest that this was a religiously motivated attack or an act of terrorism,” the interior ministry said in a statement. he said.

Spencer was charged with voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm by use of a weapon likely to cause death; this carries a penalty of life imprisonment or up to 15 years in prison, as well as caning and a fine. The media said he was not represented in court.

The reason for the attack was not immediately clear. The department said the man had a history of causing serious injury and drug use.

The priest, who had cuts on his tongue, upper lip and one corner of his mouth, continues his recovery process in the hospital.

Various religious leaders in Singapore, where religious diversity is considered “remarkable” by the Pew Research Center, condemned the attack, voicing solidarity with Catholics, who make up about 7% of citizens and permanent residents.

Archbishop of Singapore William Goh said the attack was a wake-up call for all religious organizations and their members to “be more wary of suspicious activity”.

Police have since increased patrols at places of worship.

In a separate incident Friday, police said a 42-year-old man called police to find a woman sitting on the edge of a tower used by birdwatchers in the park.

Police added that when they arrived, the man used a homemade flamethrower to attack a police officer.

They said he was shot by a police officer after he refused to drop the gun and was later charged with attempted murder.