The incident occurred in Singapore and went viral. The young Frenchman is accused of crimes of damage and public nuisance.
An 18-year-old French teenager was charged in Singapore after publishing a video on social media showing the lick a straw from an automatic juice machine and putting it back into the dispenser, in an incident that quickly went viral and raised public health concerns.
According to the newspaper, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien was formally accused by crimes of damage and public nuisance on April 24th. The alleged incident occurred on March 12 in a shopping center in the city-state, known for its strict hygiene rules and civic behavior.
Singapore authorities have not yet recorded any guilty plea from the young man, who is due back in court on May 29. Meanwhile, he was granted judicial authorization to travel to Manila between May 2 and 25, on a mandatory school trip to completion of your studies.
The crimes you are accused of can carry severe penalties. The offense of damage can result in a penalty of up to two years in prisonfine or both, while public nuisance provides for up to three months in prison or financial sanctions.
The company responsible for juice machines, IJooz, filed a complaint with the authorities after the video circulated widely online. As an immediate measure, he disinfected the equipment involved and replaced around 500 straws available in the machine. The company also announced that it will reinforce the security of its equipment, introducing individually wrapped straws and compartments that only unlock after completing the purchase.
The case again highlights the strictness of laws in Singapore when it comes to hygiene and public order. The country maintains strict policies, including restrictions on the import of gum and heavy penalties for infractions such as littering on public roads or vandalism.
Lawyers for the young man, a student at a French business school in Singapore, refused to comment on the case.
