Three executions in one week: Singapore’s death penalty raises criticism of the UN

14-08-2023

Lone de Chene

South East and Pacific Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

On the 3rd of August, Singapore has carried out its third execution in just over a week for drug-related crimes. The most recent case involved the hanging of a 39-year-old citizen, Mohamed Shalleh Abdul Latiff, who was found guilty of trafficking 54 grams of heroin. This comes shortly after the executions of Saridewi Binte Djamani, 45, and Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, which prompted criticism from both the United Nations and various human rights organizations.

The country's harsh stance on crime and drug offenses has led to 16 executions, including those of foreign nationals, since the pause on hangings was lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The death penalty has been applied to individuals found guilty of trafficking over 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin. Despite its reputation as a global financial center, Singapore's stringent laws align it with countries like China and North Korea in terms of its approach to criminal justice.

International pressure for reform has been mounting, with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights advocating for a moratorium on Singapore's use of the death penalty. Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue that the current approach does little to curb drug abuse and disproportionately impacts lower-level offenders. While the Singaporean government maintains that the death penalty acts as a deterrent and enjoys support from a majority of citizens, the ongoing debate continues to raise questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the country's drug laws.

Sources and further readings:

(2023). Singapore hangs third person for drug offences in little over a week. Crime News | Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/3/singapore-hangs-third-person-for-drug-offences-in-little-over-a-week