SINGAPORE (ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – A 42-year-old man has gone on trial in Singapore’s High Court, accused of raping his estranged wife at his residence. The case, which commenced on January 21, marks the first marital rape trial since the immunity for husbands was repealed on January 1, 2020.
The prosecution alleges that the man, after physically assaulting and threatening the woman with a metal rod, forced her to engage in sexual acts. Although the man admitted to the acts following his arrest, he claimed they were consensual. Prosecutors argue that the woman did not consent, as she acted out of “fear of injury.”
The couple, both foreigners working in Singapore, had been living apart. The woman resided in employer-provided housing, while the man lived elsewhere.
On November 8, 2020, the man reportedly asked to meet his wife to deliver a gift, but she initially refused. He later appeared at her flat’s void deck, where an argument escalated. Prosecutors claim the man snatched her phone and took her to his residence on his motorcycle.
At his home, the man allegedly locked the doors and roller shutters to prevent her escape. The prosecution states that he slapped her, causing her to fall and chip a tooth, and showed her a pornographic video while making inappropriate remarks.
He then allegedly threatened her with a metal rod, prompting her to comply out of fear. Prosecutors allege he proceeded to rape her before taking her home the following morning.
The woman reported the incident to the police at 7am, and the man was arrested two days later on November 10.
The man faces nine charges, including aggravated rape, attempted aggravated rape, voluntarily causing hurt, and criminal intimidation. Six charges are being contested in the current trial, while three others have been stood down.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Alan Loh stated that the woman’s consent was invalid, as it was obtained under duress and fear of injury.
The defense team, led by lawyer Shashi Nathan under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, will contest the charges.
This trial underscores a significant shift in Singapore’s legal landscape, where marital immunity for rape was abolished to uphold the principles of consent and individual rights.
A gag order prohibits the identification of the individuals and the location of the incident to protect their privacy.
The outcome of this trial is expected to set a precedent in addressing marital rape cases and reinforcing Singapore’s commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
