Changi Prison Complex, often known simply as Changi Prison, is a prison complex in the namesake district of Changi in the eastern part of Singapore. It is the oldest and largest prison in the country, covering an area of about 50 ha (120 acres). Opened in 1936, the prison has a rich history.
Changi Prison was first built in 1936 by the British colonial government to replace the old prison that was located in Pearl's Hill. The prison was constructed with the intention of housing a large number of prisoners, as Singapore was rapidly growing and needed a larger facility to accommodate them. The prison was designed to house up to 600 prisoners.[2] During World War II and after the Fall of Singapore, Changi Prison became notorious for its role as a prisoner-of-war camp for Allied soldiers captured by the Japanese. During the occupation, the Japanese used the prison to house prisoners of war (POW) captured from all over the Asia-Pacific.[3] Many of these prisoners were subjected to brutal treatment and forced labour, and a significant number died from malnutrition, disease, and mistreatment.[4]
After the war, Changi Prison was used by the British to house prisoners of various categories, including political detainees. In the 1950s and 1960s, the prison became a symbol of Singapore's struggle for independence, as many political prisoners were held there for their anti-colonial and nationalist activities. The prison also played a significant role in Singapore's development after its independence, as many prisoners were put to work in various industries, such as farming and construction. In the 1970s and 1980s, Changi Prison underwent major renovations and upgrades to improve its facilities and security. New buildings were constructed, including a maximum-security block for high-risk prisoners.[5]
Changi Prison remains in operation as a crucial component of Singapore's criminal justice system. The prison is well-known for its strict discipline and emphasis on rehabilitation, with a focus on providing prisoners with rehabilitation programs such as education and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after their release.[6] The Changi Chapel and Museum is also located close to the prison.[7]
^"More capacity at Changi Prison". The Straits Times. Singapore. 21 January 2010. p. 3.
^"Overcrowding of Prison. Serious Conditions In Singapore". The Straits Times. Singapore. 30 May 1932. p. 12. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
^"Changi". www.awm.gov.au. Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^"The Story of Changi". www.cofepow.org.uk. Children and Families of Far East Prisoners of War Museum. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^Min Kok, Lee (15 February 2016). "Behind the walls of Changi Prison: 6 things you may not know about the national monument". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^"First Government Run Halfway House to Strengthen Aftercare Support for Ex-Offenders". www.sps.gov.sg. Singapore Prison Service. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^"Changi Chapel and Museum". www.visitsingapore.com. Singapore Tourism Board. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
ChangiPrison Complex, often known simply as ChangiPrison, is a prison complex in the namesake district of Changi in the eastern part of Singapore. It...
largest prison, ChangiPrison. It was used as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during the occupation of Singapore in World War II. The prison is Singapore's...
in prison management led to a high rate of recidivism.[citation needed] In 1936 ChangiPrison was opened and operational as a Maximum Security Prison and...
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POWs were ordered by the Japanese to march to Changi for internment. As the British-built ChangiPrison was already crowded with Allied POWs and civilians...
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sister, Juliet Ang, broke down and wept. He was sent to death row at ChangiPrison. Three months after Ang's conviction, Singapore became independent from...
months, and he was to serve an amended aggregate term of five years at ChangiPrison with effect from the date of his remand (28 August 2019). With the usual...
individuals and groups, he was executed by hanging on 26 January 2007 in ChangiPrison. Tochi was born in Nigeria. He was given to his relatives at the age...
to death in ChangiPrison this morning." Van Damme's family later released a copy of the telegram that they received from Singapore prison officials: "Death...
hanging, and later lost his appeal. Teo is currently on death row in ChangiPrison, pending an appeal for clemency. The Woodlands family murder case was...
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