Malaysia teen’s Facebook ‘like’ prompts police probe

A Malaysian teenager is being investigated by police for sedition after “liking” a pro-Israel Facebook post, sparking outrage over perceived growing intolerance in the Muslim-majority country.

The 17-year-old student in the northern state of Penang had “liked” a post that declared “I love Israel” and featured a picture of the Jewish state’s flag, Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi is quoted as saying by Malaysian media.

Abdul Rahim reportedly says a sedition probe is under way and that the student claims to have accidentally clicked “like.” Police also are investigating death threats against the student.

Sedition can result in three years in jail in Malaysia. The student, who has been questioned by police, has deactivated his Facebook account. He has not been publicly identified.

Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel.

— AFP