Chia Thye Poh

Dr. Chia Thye Poh, a former teacher and politician, became known best for serving one of the world’s longest sentences as a political prisoner. A member of Singapore’s opposition party in the 1960’s, Thye Poh was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for alleged pro-communist activities. He was sentenced without charge or trial. Refusing to sign a forced confession implicating him in violent acts, which he did not condone, he spent 23 years in prison, followed by 9 additional years under house arrest, before his full freedom was finally restored.

Following Thye Poh’s release, he called for an immediate repeal of the ISA. He was awarded the Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award in 2011 and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. Thye Poh is cited as being an inspiration for activists speaking up for political and other freedoms.