For Public Protection?

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A 16-year-old student has been charged for the murder of a 13-year-old in their school in Singapore. The tragedy has shocked the country, which has very low rates of violent crimes. A chronological account of the incident was given by the Education Minister in Parliament. The 16-year-old was assessed at the Institute for Mental Health in 2019 after he attempted to commit suicide at the age of 14. This new revelation has prompted even more calls for a review of counseling services in Singapore schools. Especially perceptive and eloquent was the call for greater mental health resources and support for schools issued by President Halimah Yacob.

In Singapore, those found guilty of murder may receive the death penalty. A minor below the age of 18 will not get the death sentence, but may be imprisoned for life instead. It is no surprise that at least one social-media comment has called for the 16-year-old alleged perpetrator to be remanded until he turns 18, after which he should be put to death. No surprise because Singapore society is governed and organized on the basis of discipline and punishment, and not on ideas of rehabilitation and reconciliation. The low crime rates are supposedly due to the harsh penalties. This simplistic narrative should be strongly questioned.

Before this tragedy occurred, the government has asked for views from the public on proposed changes to a law that will allow it to detain offenders for up to 20 years, supposedly for "public protection." These violent or sex offenders, which will include first-timers, are deemed to "pose a serious public safety risk upon their release from prison." The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) is asking vital questions about these proposed changes. Research shows that prolonged imprisonment is ineffective for rehabilitation and hinders reintegration into society after release. There are procedural questions too, such as whether these changes put too much power in the hands of the Home Minister, who is also the Law Minister in Singapore. You can read the details here and, if you are Singaporean, submit your views to the government by July 30, 2021.

Jee Leong Koh
July 29, 2021

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