Singapore seeks indefinite jail for 'high-risk' sex offenders and violent criminals

Singapore is seeking to jail "high-risk" sex offenders and violent criminals indefinitely under legislation proposed Wednesday.

The "Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection" provision of a bill filed in parliament aims to keep convicts showing signs that they might re-offend behind bars, even after their jail terms have ended.

"The Government has been looking at ways to better protect the public from such dangerous offenders, who pose a substantial risk of serious physical and/or sexual harm to others, especially to those in our society who are vulnerable," the law and home affairs ministries said in a joint statement.

"We want to ensure that such dangerous and high-risk offenders are not released back into the community until they no longer pose a threat to public safety."

The legislation will apply to offenders convicted of serious violent or sexual offences, such as culpable homicide and rape.

It recommends a minimum jail term of five to 20 years, which will be determined by the court.