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NUS peeping tom case becoming example of ‘trial by social media’, sets ‘dangerous precedent’

I refer to the recent peeping tom case at the National University of Singapore (NUS). As a female alumnus of NUS, I have followed the case in the news and can empathise with Miss Monica Baey's predicament.

NUS peeping tom case becoming example of ‘trial by social media’, sets ‘dangerous precedent’
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I refer to the recent peeping tom case at the National University of Singapore (NUS). As a female alumnus of NUS, I have followed the case in the news and can empathise with Miss Monica Baey's predicament.

She naturally feels upset and seems frustrated with the punishment handed to the offender, deeming it inadequate.  

After she posted about the events on her Instagram account, it triggered a public outcry, leading to Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, NUS president Tan Eng Chye, and various committee bodies and senior management from the university weighing in on the matter.

So much so that even the Singapore Police Force has to justify their rationale in deciding the form of punishment for the offender, going to the extent of publicly clarifying his parents' background and professions.

In my opinion, this case has become a classic example of "trial by social media", where many people enter the fray, without being completely privy to the facts of the case, and dictate to the authorities how they should have done their job.

And it could set a dangerous precedent in Singapore where anyone with a grievance can turn into a Shylock and demand their "pound of flesh" by merely complaining on social media.

As an educated and compassionate society, we owe it to both the victim and the offender, to allow the authorities the space to carry out investigations on their part, and arrive at a fair judgment without getting carried away by emotions.

I sincerely hope Miss Baey can receive the required support from the authorities, if she disagrees with the actions taken, without having to do so via social media. Furthermore, she should also be offered counselling to overcome this traumatic event in her life.  

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social media National University of Singapore peeping tom Monica Baey

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