Caning in Singapore
The use of caning as a form of corporal punishment in Singapore for criminal offences has been a subject of contention, particularly since the caning of American teenager Michael P. Fay in 1994.
Caning was introduced to Singapore by the British when they controlled Singapore as part of their colonial empire. More than one thousand people are caned in Singapore each year for both violent crimes and nonviolent ones such as vandalism or overstaying one's work visa.
Current caning procedures are carried out outside public view, with the subject to be caned strapped to a metal frame with the buttocks exposed. The bamboo cane has been soaked in water overnight to prevent the cane from splitting and to maximize inflicted pain. Parts of the criminal's body are padded to prevent accidental damaging of the kidneys, but the procedure can still leave permanent scars on the recipient.
Legislation
Sections 227 to 233 of the Criminal Procedure Code addresses the caning procedures to be adhered to, including:
- The subject may be caned if he is male, is below the age of 50, and is certified medically fit.
- The subject will be caned up to 24 strokes, irrespective of the total number of offences convicted.
- Should the subject be a youth, he may be caned up to 10 strokes, using a light rattan.
- The subject will not be caned if he has been sentenced to death.
- The rattan shall be not more than 1.27 centimetres in diameter.
The caning procedure will only be carried out in the presence of a medical officer, who will certify the subject prior to the caning procedure, and check him after every stroke has been meted out. Although caning is mandatory for certain offences, the legislation provides for exceptions to be made, which may come in the form of an alternative sentencing, or it may be replaced by an imprisonment term of up to 12 months.
Crimes which may result in caning
- Misuse of drugs: 3 - 6 strokes. Repeat offenders: 6 - 12 strokes
- Illegal entry into or departure from Singapore: At least 3 strokes
- Unlawful overstay in Singapore for over 90 days: At least 3 strokes
- Unlawful possession or conveyance of any arm or ammunition: At least 6 strokes
- Offences relating to scheduled weapons: At least 6 strokes
- Trafficking in arms: At least 6 strokes
- Exhibiting imitation arm when committing scheduled offence: At least 3 strokes
- Outrage of modesty:
- Rape: At least 12 strokes
- Repeat offender of a serious traffic misdeed: Up to 6 strokes
- Aggravated disciplinary offences in a MINDEF barrack: Up to 12 strokes
- Carrying, etc., offensive weapons, explosive, corrosive or inflammable substances in a proclaimed area
- Vandalism: 3 - 8 strokes
- Piracy: At least 12 strokes
- Hijacking
- Rioting
- Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- Attempt to murder
- Voluntarily causing hurt
- Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
- Assault or use of criminal force to a person with intent to outrage modesty
- Assault or criminal force in committing or attempting to commit theft of property carried by a person
- Kidnapping
- Theft after preparation made for causing death or hurt in order to commit theft: At least 3 strokes
- Extortion
- Robbery: At least 6 strokes. If committed after 7 p.m. and before 7 a.m: At least 12 strokes
- Robbery when armed or with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt: At least 12 strokes
- Attempt to commit robbery: At least 6 strokes.
- Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery: At least 12 strokes
- Gang-robbery: At least 12 strokes
- Belonging to gang-robbers: At least 6 strokes
- Belonging to wandering gang of thieves: At least 4 strokes
- Assembling for purpose of committing gang-robbery: At least 4 strokes
- Dealing wirh explosives
- Dealing with dangerous fireworks: Up to 6 strokes
- Using a corrosive or explosive substance or offensive weapon: At least 6 strokes
- Males engaging in prostitution trading activities
- Obstructing engine or carriages or endangering safety of passengers