On July 10, 2025, Singapore police arrested five teenage boys aged between 12 and 15 for suspected rioting offences following a disturbing bullying incident in which one of the boys held a knife to another’s throat. The incident, which took place on July 6, came to light after a video of the assault surfaced on the social media platform Xiaohongshu on July 23.
According to the police, two of the teens aged 13 and 15 were formally charged in court on July 16. They face charges of voluntarily causing hurt. The 15-year-old was further charged with carrying an offensive weapon in a public place, an offence that carries serious penalties under Singapore law.
In the widely circulated video, a boy, believed to be the 15-year-old, is seen confronting a smaller-sized peer. Holding what appears to be a butterfly knife to the victim’s throat, he demands that the boy "tell the truth." When the victim insists he is not lying, the aggressor responds by slapping him hard across the face.
The knife used in the video resembles a butterfly knife, which is classified as a dangerous weapon in Singapore. Other similar offensive weapons include flick knives, karambit knives, and knuckle dusters. Possessing such weapons in a public space can result in a jail term of up to five years and at least six strokes of the cane.
The bullying episode did not stop with physical intimidation. The video also captured the aggressor and an off-screen accomplice coercing the victim into choosing between two forms of punishment: getting punched in the stomach five times or stripping naked. The victim ultimately chose the latter and began undressing before the clip abruptly ended.
This harrowing video has sparked widespread condemnation online, prompting concerns about youth violence and the influence of social media in promoting aggressive behavior among teens. The clip, now removed from most major platforms, was reportedly shared by viewers who were alarmed by its content.
Authorities confirmed that three other boys involved in the incident are still under investigation, and more charges could follow depending on the outcome. Police have assured the public that they take such acts of violence seriously and will not hesitate to take legal action against perpetrators, regardless of their age.
While the motives behind the bullying remain unclear, the video makes it apparent that the incident was both premeditated and filmed for shock value or humiliation. The victim’s compliance under duress and the presence of a weapon point to a serious case of intimidation and physical abuse.
Singapore maintains strict laws regarding rioting, assault, and weapon possession. Juveniles can face legal consequences under these laws, including time in reformative training centres or youth homes, depending on the severity of the offence. In this case, the use of a knife and the humiliation tactics recorded on video elevate the seriousness of the crime.
The case has triggered renewed discussions among parents, educators, and policymakers about the importance of early intervention, education, and digital responsibility. As police continue their investigations, the public is urged not to circulate the video to protect the privacy of the victim and avoid glorifying the violence.
This troubling incident serves as a grim reminder of how peer pressure, unchecked aggression, and access to dangerous items can combine into acts of violence among youth. It also raises important questions about parental supervision, school support systems, and community efforts to guide children toward non-violent conflict resolution.
Comments
Post a Comment