'I'll just treat it like a business trip': Amos Yee on prospect of getting jailed again

Amos Yee Pang Sang, 27, after appearing at the State Courts on Apr. 23, told media outside that a potential prison sentence would be treated as a “business trip”.

Yee was at court for a pre-trial conference, but said he could not attend the session as he did not have access.

“I didn't even know that I had a lawyer so I don't even have to attend court, I don't even have access to the Zoom call,” he told media outside the court.

Pre-trial conferences are administrative proceedings conducted before a case proceeds to trial or is scheduled for a guilty plea.

They are typically held in chambers, away from public or media access, and handled by lawyers.

Accused persons represented by counsel are generally not required to attend.

Court records listed Yee’s lawyer as Divanan Narkunan, despite Yee previously stating he would not be engaging counsel.

Treat prison sentence like "business trip"

Speaking to Mothership, Yee said he would “just treat it like a business trip” if sentenced to jail, describing it as “something [he] has to do to ignite a political movement”.

He also commented on his recent activities, including being banned from dating apps, saying: "I've been in prison for like five years so I think it's reasonable to try to find a date."

He also added that "Singapore is terrible" with "boring buildings" and "very depressing people", but he still felt "best to be here" as he could "contribute" the most in Singapore.

His mother was spotted outside the court waiting for him.

A second pre-trial conference has been fixed for May 22.

Background

Yee was arrested upon his arrival in Changi Airport after being deported from the U.S on Mar. 20.

He was charged in court for offences under the Enlistment Act, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

He was handed three charges.

He is accused of failing to report for medical screening under the Enlistment Act from Apr. 26, 2016 to Mar. 19, 2026, a period of nine years.

He is also accused of leaving Singapore without valid exit permits.

This occurred over two periods from Dec. 13, 2015 to Apr. 19, 2016, and from Dec. 15, 2016 to Mar. 19, 2026.

NS defaulters can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$10,000, or both.

Top photos by Javier Lim/Mothership