SINGAPORE: In a harrowing case that has captured public attention, the High Court of Singapore sentenced two men for the brutal rape of a 16-year-old girl in a public toilet at Admiralty Park while she was under the influence of alcohol.

Muhammad Isnalli David, aged 22, received a sentence of 12 years and six months in prison along with 12 strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to the charge of rape. Muhammad Al'Amin Selamat, 23, was sentenced to a slightly shorter term of 10 years and six months, also receiving 12 strokes of the cane. Both men had additional charges considered in the sentencing process, including sexual assault involving penetration and criminal trespass.

The investigation continues into a third suspect, Raden Zulhusni Zulkifri, 27, who is facing trial and maintains his innocence regarding the charges against him.

According to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Tay Jia En, the victim, now 19, remains anonymous due to an ongoing court order designed to protect her identity. The circumstances surrounding the assault took place on March 27, 2022, when the victim, along with a female friend, met Isnalli at a cinema before a pre-planned drinking session ensued.

As the night progressed, the group’s alcohol consumption intensified, leading to the victim's intoxication. Isnalli took her to a public toilet under the guise of helping her, where he raped her multiple times, assisted by Al'Amin and, as per the court's findings, Raden. Disturbingly, a 52-second video of the assault was recorded, further complicating the already traumatic experience for the victim.

Witnesses later reported seeing the two men entering and exiting the toilet cubicles, during which they participated in the sexual assaults as the victim was heard pleading for the men to stop. The court documents noted that she uttered words such as “don’t” and “no” in Malay, attempting to resist the heinous acts being committed against her.

Afterward, the victim's friend was informed of the attack, leading to a confrontation with Isnalli, where he initially denied the allegations. An alarming sequence unfolded where the victim's female confidant and male acquaintances sought justice, resulting in a physical altercation with Isnalli in an attempt to hold him accountable.

Following the incident, both Raden and Al’Amin initially sought legal advice and eventually filed a police report after considerable reflection and pressure from family members.

High Court Judge Aidan Xu emphasized the severity of this case, asserting that such instances of "cluster assault" necessitate strict penalties regardless of the age of the offenders. He stated that the compound nature of the assaults exacerbated the trauma inflicted on the victim.

In a powerful victim impact statement, the now 19-year-old reflected on how the assault irreparably damaged her familial relationships and her ability to trust. Her emotional and psychological scars are a harsh reminder of the societal and personal toll of such violent crimes.

The maximum sentence under Singapore law for rape can be as severe as 20 years imprisonment, alongside fines or caning. This case has sparked discussions around victim support, prevention of alcohol-facilitated sexual assaults, and enhanced legal consequences for perpetrators, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and awareness in society.