It is uncommon for former prisoners in Singapore to openly share their experiences behind bars, largely due to the stigma associated with having a cri
It is uncommon for former prisoners in Singapore to openly share their experiences behind bars, largely due to the stigma associated with having a criminal record. Many ex-inmates choose to keep their past hidden, as being labeled a convicted felon can hinder future employment opportunities.
A Rare Glimpse into Life Behind Bars
However, a recent documentary series, Inside Maximum Security, provided an in-depth look at life in Singapore’s prisons. The series allowed the public to connect with several inmates, offering insights into their struggles and hopes for redemption after their release. One such inmate, Graceson Ang, 37, who was featured in the series, has since spoken publicly about his experiences behind bars.
The Reality of Caning in Singapore
In a podcast episode with The Bluebird Bros, the harsh reality of corporal punishment was discussed. Ang, a father of three, recounted his experience of receiving 21 strokes of the cane during a single session. In a TikTok snippet, Ang shared the lasting impact of the punishment, revealing that his scars are permanent.
When asked humorously by the interviewer about his injuries, Ang likened the scars on his backside to sitting on a barbecue grill and standing up with lines burned into his skin, eliciting laughter from those present. However, the reality of the pain was no laughing matter.
Enduring Extreme Pain
Another inmate present during the discussion confessed that he struggled to endure just three strokes of the cane, admitting that he could only tolerate up to six or seven strokes at most. Ang revealed that by the 10th stroke, the pain became excruciating. “From one to 10 is very painful already. After 11 or 12, you feel very hot, and then suddenly you go numb,” Ang explained.
The caning session, which took approximately 10 minutes, was carefully timed by a prison officer who counted each stroke. Ang admitted that, at the time, he was just hoping for the ordeal to end quickly.
Prison Culture and Toughness
The other inmate reflected on how prison culture encourages men to act tough, downplaying the severity of caning. He recounted how inmates who had been caned before would claim, “No lah, not painful lah,” but he quickly realized there was no truth to this. “There’s no way caning doesn’t cause pain,” he said.
Ang’s Background and Legal Troubles
Ang’s latest run-in with the law saw him sentenced to six years and five months in prison, along with 21 strokes of the cane, for offenses including carrying weapons, drug consumption, and criminal intimidation. He was incarcerated for nearly four years due to the two-thirds remission rule in Singapore.
At the tail end of his sentence, Ang was transferred to a halfway house on May 25 as part of the Singapore Prison Service’s community-based program, which prepares inmates for reintegration into society. Ang, a former secret society member, has been jailed four times, and this recent stint marked his second time being caned—previously, he had received three strokes.
Ang has a history of carrying weapons on at least three occasions, with one incident involving an attempt to slash another man over a dispute involving the man’s wife.
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