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Graffiti stunt paints vandal pair into a corner in Singapore

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

June 29, 2010 | 2 min read

Singapore tough law and order stance has been thrust into the spotlight after two graffiti artists were sentenced to three strokes with a 4ft ‘ratan’ cane and a five month spell in custody.

The authoritarian state was left aghast after 32 year old Swiss technology consultant, Oliver Fricker and his 29 year old British accomplice, Dane Alexander Lloyd, breached security at a Singapore Mass Transit System depot, spray can in tow.

The resulting tags daubed on the formerly pristine carriages displaying the legend “Mckoy Banos” cost the transport group £5,300 to remove and embarrassed officials over the apparent ease of the break in.

Notorious for its harsh punishments the island state can hand out fines of S$500 for feeding pigeons whilst selling gum and pornography can net the culprits a three month spell in jail.

Lloyd is currently on the run from the police after fleeing to Hong Kong.

Human Rights Watch criticised Singapore in a report last year stating: “Singapore's legal framework continues to perpetuate an authoritarian state tightly controlled by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).”

The group goes on to target the states restrictions on free speech: “In the interests of security, public order, morality, national harmony, or friendly foreign relations, Singapore law authorizes censorship of content and distribution of print material and films, severe limits on public processions and assemblies, and prolonged detention of suspects without trial.”

Image taken by Shiratski

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