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Singapore is witnessing its first trial of marital rape since the complete repeal of marital immunity for rape in 2020. On Jan 21, a man faced the Supreme Court for charges of raping his wife, marking a significant legal milestone.
Both the accused and the victim, both foreigners, are protected by a gag order that restricts disclosure of their personal details and the location of the incident. The case stems from an alleged attack on Nov 8, 2020, after the couple met in Singapore.
According to prosecutors Alan Loh and Emily Koh, the couple, who lived separately, had a heated argument at the void deck of the wife’s flat when she declined a gift from her husband. The man allegedly slapped and kicked her during the altercation. Following advice from her supervisor, the woman reluctantly agreed to go with him to resolve the conflict.
The prosecution asserts that upon reaching his residence, the man locked the doors, assaulted his wife, and forced her into sexual acts under threats of harm with a metal rod. The woman, reportedly injured and in fear, had no means of escape. She was later coerced into staying the night with him before being allowed to return to her flat the next morning.
After returning home, the woman confided in her flatmate, who called the police. She was taken to the hospital, where she disclosed the assault.
The accused faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated rape, one count of attempted aggravated rape, and others such as criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt. While the man acknowledges the sexual acts occurred, he claims they were consensual.
The prosecution plans to present evidence from 38 witnesses to support its case. They argue that the sexual acts followed physical assault and threats, leaving the victim in fear for her safety.
Under Singapore law, the man could face a jail term of up to 20 years, caning, and fines if convicted of rape. Aggravated circumstances, including threats of harm, carry a minimum punishment of eight years and 12 strokes of the cane. As the alleged victim was his wife, penalties could be doubled under Singapore's legal provisions for intimate partner violence.
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