[budududuroiu]

TIL detention without trial is a thing in Singapore [^1], ministers love to brag about increasing the severity of detention without trial [^2], and that the longest someone was held in detention without trial in Singapore was 23+9 years [^3]. That person was never charged.

[^1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Law_(Temporary_Provis...

[^2]: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/my-views-on-...

[^3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chia_Thye_Poh

[46493168]

There’s a reason William Gibson called it “Disneyland with the Death Penalty”

https://www.wired.com/1993/04/gibson-2/

[FatherOfCurses]

Yes and whenever I see anyone gushing about Singapore that's the first place my mind goes.

You can keep your 1000 different Instagrammable spots, I'd rather go some place that is a little more into democracy and reasonable policing.

[bitwize]

That's one of my favorite pieces of writing by Gibson, because he cites Neal Stephenson's "burbclave" concept. Which, to me, is like the literary equivalent of those times when a famous musician or band (including but not limited to the Barenaked Ladies and Don McLean) performed the Weird Al version of their own song.

[budududuroiu]

Well, to get the death penalty you have to be charged. I actually think Singapore laws on what could get you the death penalty are pretty clear, and you'd be stupid to violate them. Being detained without trial seems scarier imo

[jhanschoo]

Regarding [2], what arguments did that politician put forth and what are your thoughts on the strength of those arguments?

[funkyfiddler369]

after reading the wiki article I'm quite certain he was saved and kept alive to continue his work. someone was out for his head but didn't have enough reach.

but that's just an assumption based on stories in the good old Soviet Union.

[cardanome]

Detention without trial is also a thing in the UK. Legally limited to 6 months but extended in practice if you are Irish or advocate against the genocide in Palestine. Ask the people of Palestine Action UK.

With the growing fascism all over the world we will see that kind of thing more often.

[asplake]

https://www.gov.uk/arrested-your-rights/how-long-you-can-be-...