This experiment started on 18 May, 1960, with 50 detainees which rose up to 320 in three years. They believed that through hard work, the detainees could be reformed. This believe led to the removal of weapons from the guards.
However, this experiment backfired.
On 12 July, 1963, a group of 70-90 detainees rioted and burned down most of the building, killing D.S Dutton - the Commander and two other wardens. One of their eyeball was even being dug out. A total of 29 other wardens were also wounded.
After a grueling 64 days trial, 12 were acquitted and discharged, 11 were sentenced to jail for 2 years and 18 were given the death sentence.
Lol, Singaporeans can also be quite fierce ya.
Fun Fact: The 18 detainees who were sentenced to death, led Darshan Singh, the Chief Execution of Singapore, to break the world record for the highest number of people to be hanged in one day - 3 at a time.
