{
  "id": 14737237,
  "title": "Haze affecting millions sparks Singaporean’s question: Could it be a ‘crime against humanity’?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/haze-affecting-millions-sparks-singaporeans-question-could-it-be-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:30:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/haze-affecting-millions-sparks-singaporean-s-question-could-it-be-a-crime-against-humanity"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore is currently grappling with the worst transboundary haze in over a decade, causing widespread air pollution and health concerns. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the west hit a very unhealthy reading of 203 on Thursday, October 15, while readings in other regions were between 127 and 192. A Reddit user questioned whether the ongoing haze could be considered a \"crime against humanity,\" given that it has been happening for decades without sufficient enforcement. The user noted that millions of people have been affected, and the issue has led to an increase in respiratory conditions in hospitals and clinics. Although the haze may not meet the legal definition of crimes against humanity, there have been calls for accountability, with some suggesting that Singapore could help by requiring plantation companies to provide up-to-date maps of their concessions and implementing traceability requirements, similar to the European Union's policy on palm oil.",
  "summary": "SINGAPORE: The number one topic on people’s minds these days is the haze. This year has been the worst in over a decade for transboundary haze, and Singapore has become one of the cities with the most air pollution across the globe. On Thursday (Oct 15), the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) breached 200 in the west, with a very unhealthy reading (203). In the other four regions, readings…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}