Criminal Intimidation
In Singapore, criminal intimidation is criminalised under Section 503 of the Penal Code.
According to Section 503, whoever (offender) threatens to cause any injury to any person, reputation or property, or the person or reputation of anyone whom that person has an interest in, intending to cause any alarm to that person or to cause that person to carry out any unlawful act or omit to do any act which that person is entitled to do to avoid the threat by the offender, is guilty of criminal intimidation.
Punishment for Criminal Intimidation
According to Section 506, whoever is guilty of criminal intimidation will be imprisoned for up to 2 years or liable for a fine or both.
If the offender threatens to cause death or grievous hurt, or to destroy any property by fire or to cause any offence that is punishable by death or imprisonment for a term up to 7 years or more or impute unchastity to a woman, he/she will be imprisoned for a term up to 10 years or shall be liable for a fine, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions on Criminal Intimidation
Can a person be charged with criminal intimidation based solely on verbal threats?
Yes, a person can be charged with criminal intimidation based solely on verbal threats if those threats are made with the intent to cause fear or alarm in the victim. Physical harm or contact is not necessary for the offence to be established. The key element is the intent to cause fear through the communicated threats.
Can a threat made over the phone constitute criminal intimidation?
Yes, threats made over the phone, through electronic communication channels, for example, can constitute criminal intimidation – if they meet the elements of the offence. The medium through which the threat is communicated does not change the nature of the offence. The key factor is whether the threat is intended to cause fear or alarm in the recipient or cause that person to carry out any unlawful act or omit to do any act they would typically be entitled to do.
What if the threat was made in a moment of anger or frustration without intention to cause fear?
The prosecution must prove that the threat was made with the intent to cause fear or alarm to establish a charge of criminal intimidation. If it can be shown that the threat was made impulsively or in the heat of the moment without a genuine intent to cause fear, it may be a valid defence against the charge. This is known as the defence of provocation – and if successfully raised, might see a reduction in charges or penalties faced by the accused.
Can a person be charged with criminal intimidation if the threat was not directed at a specific individual but a group of people?
Yes, a person can be charged with criminal intimidation even if the threat was directed at a group of people rather than a specific individual. If the threat is intended to cause fear or alarm in the members of that group, it can still constitute the offence of criminal intimidation.
