Changi Prison

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'''Changi Prison Complex''', often known simply as '''Changi Prison''', is a [[prison|prison complex]] in the namesake district of [[Changi]] in the [[East Region, Singapore|eastern part]] of [[Singapore]]. It is the largest prison in the country, covering an area of about {{convert|50|ha|abbr=on}}, and the oldest still in operation since the closure of [[Outram Prison]] in 1963. Opened in 1936 by the [[British Empire|British]] [[Straits Settlements|colonial government]] to replace Outram Prison, the complex was constructed with the intention of housing a large number of prisoners due to the rapid growth of the colony and need for a larger penal facility to alleviate prison overcrowding.<ref name="StraitsTimes-1932">{{Cite news |title=Overcrowding of Prison. Serious Conditions In Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19320530-1.2.53 |access-date=10 July 2020 |newspaper=The Straits Times |location= Singapore |date=30 May 1932 |page=12}}</ref> '''Changi Prison Complex''', often known simply as '''Changi Prison''', is a [[prison|prison complex]] in the namesake district of [[Changi]] in the [[East Region, Singapore|eastern part]] of [[Singapore]]. It is the largest prison in the country, covering an area of about {{convert|50|ha|abbr=on}}, and the oldest still in operation since the closure of [[Outram Prison]] in 1963. Opened in 1936 by the [[Straits Settlements|British colonial government]] to replace Outram Prison, the complex was constructed with the intention of housing a large number of prisoners due to the rapid growth of the colony and need for a larger penal facility to alleviate prison overcrowding.<ref name="StraitsTimes-1932">{{Cite news |title=Overcrowding of Prison. Serious Conditions In Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19320530-1.2.53 |access-date=10 July 2020 |newspaper=The Straits Times |location= Singapore |date=30 May 1932 |page=12}}</ref>

During the [[Fall of Singapore|Second World War]] and subsequent [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|occupation]] of Singapore, Changi Prison became notorious for its role as a [[prisoner-of-war camp|camp]] for [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] [[Far East prisoners of war|prisoners of war]] (POWs) captured by the [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] from all over the [[Pacific War|Asia-Pacific]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Changi |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/pow/changi |website=www.awm.gov.au |publisher=[[Australian War Memorial]] |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> Many of these prisoners were subjected to brutal treatment and forced labour, and a significant number died from malnutrition, disease, and mistreatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Story of Changi |url=https://www.cofepow.org.uk/armed-forces-stories-list/the-story-of-changi |website=www.cofepow.org.uk |publisher=Children and Families of Far East Prisoners of War Museum |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> Following the [[fall of Singapore]] and subsequent [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]] in 1942, Changi Prison was used by the occupational authorities as a [[prisoner-of-war camp]] for [[Allies of World War II|Allied prisoners of war]] (POWs).<ref>{{cite web |title=Changi |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/pow/changi |website=www.awm.gov.au |publisher=[[Australian War Memorial]] |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> Many of these prisoners were subjected to brutal treatment and forced labour, and a significant number died from malnutrition, disease, and mistreatment. Allied forces liberated Singapore in 1945, and the remaining prisoners at Changi Prison were freed.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Story of Changi |url=https://www.cofepow.org.uk/armed-forces-stories-list/the-story-of-changi |website=www.cofepow.org.uk |publisher=Children and Families of Far East Prisoners of War Museum |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref>

After the war, Changi Prison was used 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 prison|maximum-security block]] for high-risk prisoners.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Min Kok |first1=Lee |title=Behind the walls of Changi Prison: 6 things you may not know about the national monument |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/behind-the-walls-of-changi-prison-6-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-national-monument |website=www.straitstimes.com |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en |date=15 February 2016}}</ref> Following the [[end of World War II in Asia]], Changi Prison was used by the British to hold [[Japanese prisoners of war in World War II|Japanese prisoners of war]], most of whom were eventually repatriated to Japan. Eight former ''[[Kempeitai]]'' members who were found guilty of torture and murder were executed at the prison in 1946. Changi Prison was returned to [[Singapore Prison Service]] on 15 October 1947, and the prison 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 prison|maximum-security block]] for high-risk prisoners.<ref> https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=4f8172b8-7571-4cc9-8fe3-f6dfd9e38e2e </ref> <ref>{{cite web |last1=Min Kok |first1=Lee |title=Behind the walls of Changi Prison: 6 things you may not know about the national monument |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/behind-the-walls-of-changi-prison-6-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-national-monument |website=www.straitstimes.com |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en |date=15 February 2016}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Government Run Halfway House to Strengthen Aftercare Support for Ex-Offenders |url=https://www.sps.gov.sg/resource/media-releases/first-government-run-halfway-house-to-strengthen-aftercare-support |website=www.sps.gov.sg |publisher=Singapore Prison Service |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Changi Chapel and Museum]] is located close to the prison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Changi Chapel and Museum |url=https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/history/history-museums/changi-museum/ |website=www.visitsingapore.com |publisher=Singapore Tourism Board |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Government Run Halfway House to Strengthen Aftercare Support for Ex-Offenders |url=https://www.sps.gov.sg/resource/media-releases/first-government-run-halfway-house-to-strengthen-aftercare-support |website=www.sps.gov.sg |publisher=Singapore Prison Service |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Changi Chapel and Museum]] is located close to the prison.<ref>{{cite web |title=Changi Chapel and Museum |url=https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/history/history-museums/changi-museum/ |website=www.visitsingapore.com |publisher=Singapore Tourism Board |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Line 61: Line 61: [[File:Allied prisoners of war after the liberation of Changi Prison, Singapore - c. 1945 - 02 edited.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Allied prisoners of war piling out of the main gate of the Changi Prison after the British liberation of Singapore in September 1945]] [[File:Allied prisoners of war after the liberation of Changi Prison, Singapore - c. 1945 - 02 edited.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Allied prisoners of war piling out of the main gate of the Changi Prison after the British liberation of Singapore in September 1945]] Allied POWs, mainly Australians, built a chapel at the prison in 1944, using simple tools and found materials. [[Stanley Warren]] of the 15th Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery painted a series of [[Changi Murals|murals]] at the chapel. Another British POW, Sgt. Harry Stodgen, built a [[Christian cross]] out of a used artillery shell. After the war, the chapel was dismantled and shipped to Australia, while the cross was sent to the UK. The chapel was reconstructed in 1988, and is now located at the [[Royal Military College, Duntroon]], [[Canberra]]. The prisoners of war also established an education program nicknamed the [[Changi University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awm.gov.au/node/22368|title=Backgrounder: Memorial unveils one-of-a-kind Changi manuscript|website=[[Australian War Memorial]]|language=en|access-date=7 January 2017}}</ref> Allied POWs, mainly Australians, built a chapel at the prison in 1944, using simple tools and found materials. [[Stanley Warren]] of the 15th Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery painted a series of [[Changi Murals|murals]] at the chapel. Another British POW, Sgt. Harry Stodgen, built a [[Christian cross]] out of a used artillery shell. After the war, the chapel was dismantled and shipped to Australia, while the cross was sent to the UK. The chapel was reconstructed in 1988, and is now located at the [[Royal Military College, Duntroon]], [[Canberra]]. The prisoners of war also established an education program nicknamed the [[Changi University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awm.gov.au/node/22368|title=Backgrounder: Memorial unveils one-of-a-kind Changi manuscript|website=[[Australian War Memorial]]|language=en|access-date=7 January 2017}}</ref>
⚫ After the war, Changi Prison was used by the British to hold [[Japanese prisoners of war in World War II|Japanese prisoners of war]], which included former [[Imperial Japanese Army]], [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] and ''[[Kempeitai]]'' personnel, [[Police services of the Empire of Japan|police officers]] and [[Prisoner-of-war camp|POW camp]] guards; British troops were used as ''ad hoc'' [[prison officer]]s. Most of the prisoners of war were eventually repatriated to Japan, but eight former ''Kempeitai'' members were found guilty by a [[Court-martial|military tribunal]] of torturing 57 internees (which resulted in 15 of them dying) in the [[Double Tenth incident#"Double tenth" trial|"Double tenth" trial]] on 18 March 1946 at the [[Old Supreme Court Building, Singapore|Supreme Court Building]] and were sentenced to death. In the inner yard of the prison, three gallows were erected to carry out the sentences, which were performed in April 1946. On 17 October 1945, 260 German prisoners of war (who were former ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' personnel and had served on [[U-boat]]s) were moved from [[Pasir Panjang]] to Changi Prison. Almost a year later on 26 June 1946, all German prisoners of war in the prison were notified that they would be repatriated back to Germany via England on a passenger liner, the [[RMS Empress of Australia (1919)|''Empress of Australia'']].<ref>Giese, O., 1994, ''Shooting the war: The memoir and photographs of a U-boat officer in World War II'', Annapolis: [[United States Naval Institute]], {{ISBN|1557503079}}</ref>{{rp|245–252}}

====Kempeitai==== ====Kempeitai==== The prison also contained the headquarters of the ''Kempeitai'', the Japanese [[military police]]. The Kempeitai tortured and executed prisoners there, who they suspected were spies, such as during the [[Double Tenth incident]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Double Tenth incident {{!}} Infopedia|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_111_2005-01-06.html|access-date=24 November 2020|website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}}</ref> Most were civilians, although a small number were Allied POWs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Changi Prison Gate Wall and Turrets|url=http://roots.sg/content/places/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets|access-date=24 November 2020|website=www.roots.sg|language=en|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923030400/https://www.roots.sg/Content/Places/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets|url-status=dead}}</ref> The prison also contained the headquarters of the ''Kempeitai'', the Japanese [[military police]]. The Kempeitai tortured and executed prisoners there, who they suspected were spies, such as during the [[Double Tenth incident]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Double Tenth incident {{!}} Infopedia|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_111_2005-01-06.html|access-date=24 November 2020|website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}}</ref> Most were civilians, although a small number were Allied POWs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Changi Prison Gate Wall and Turrets|url=http://roots.sg/content/places/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets|access-date=24 November 2020|website=www.roots.sg|language=en|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923030400/https://www.roots.sg/Content/Places/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Postwar history===
⚫ After the war, Changi Prison was used by the British to hold [[Japanese prisoners of war in World War II|Japanese prisoners of war]], which included former [[Imperial Japanese Army]], [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] and ''[[Kempeitai]]'' personnel, [[Police services of the Empire of Japan|police officers]] and [[Prisoner-of-war camp|POW camp]] guards; British troops were used as ''ad hoc'' [[prison officer]]s. Most of the prisoners of war were eventually repatriated to Japan, but eight former ''Kempeitai'' members were found guilty by a [[Court-martial|military tribunal]] of torturing 57 internees (which resulted in 15 of them dying) in the [[Double Tenth incident#"Double tenth" trial|"Double tenth" trial]] on 18 March 1946 at the [[Old Supreme Court Building, Singapore|Supreme Court Building]] and were sentenced to death. In the inner yard of the prison, three gallows were erected to carry out the sentences, which were performed in April 1946. On 17 October 1945, 260 German prisoners of war (who were former ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' personnel and had served on [[U-boat]]s) were moved from [[Pasir Panjang]] to Changi Prison. Almost a year later on 26 June 1946, all German prisoners of war in the prison were notified that they would be repatriated back to Germany via England on a passenger liner, the [[RMS Empress of Australia (1919)|''Empress of Australia'']].<ref>Giese, O., 1994, ''Shooting the war: The memoir and photographs of a U-boat officer in World War II'', Annapolis: [[United States Naval Institute]], {{ISBN|1557503079}}</ref>{{rp|245–252}}
The prison was returned to [[Singapore Prison Service]] on 15 October 1947, and long-term prisoners from [[Outram Prison]] were transferred back to Changi. Changi Prison 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 prison|maximum-security block]] for high-risk prisoners.<ref> https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=4f8172b8-7571-4cc9-8fe3-f6dfd9e38e2e </ref> <ref>{{cite web |last1=Min Kok |first1=Lee |title=Behind the walls of Changi Prison: 6 things you may not know about the national monument |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/behind-the-walls-of-changi-prison-6-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-national-monument |website=www.straitstimes.com |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=en |date=15 February 2016}}</ref>

===Changi Chapel and Museum=== ===Changi Chapel and Museum===