European UnionA 19-year-old French student named Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien was fined SGD600 (approximately €406) by Singapore authorities for posting a video online of him licking a straw and reinserting it into an orange juice vending machine. The act, captured on camera and shared on Instagram under the caption 'city is not safe,' sparked widespread backlash and led to his arrest. Singapore enforces strict public order and hygiene regulations, and the case highlights the country’s zero-tolerance stance toward disruptive behavior. While prosecutors acknowledged the offense was less severe due to no public harm being caused, they supported the fine as a deterrent. The vending machine operator, iJooz, replaced all 500 straws in affected machines following the incident. This case aligns with Singapore’s broader pattern of harsh penalties for public disturbances, including the recent deportation of an Australian man for chasing a celebrity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a legal consequence for a public behavior violation without overt ideological framing. It reports on Singapore’s legal system and societal norms without promoting a specific political agenda. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and public
