After he had tested positive for Covid-19, a Singapore court delayed the execution of a Malaysian citizen who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling charges.
On Tuesday, a Singaporean court had gathered to decide on an appeal in relation to Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, whose lawyer argued the man shouldn’t face the death penalty as he is considered not sound of mind.
However, the court adjourned proceedings on that issue – and instead said that in light of Dharmalingam’s recent Covid diagnosis, his execution would be postponed. Andrew Phang, Judge of the Court, stated that the legal system should be respected. “use logic, common sense and humanity,”Delay enacting or modifying the death penalty
“In view of the situation, the Court of Appeal granted a stay of the judicial execution with immediate effect until all pending proceedings are concluded,”A statement was issued by the Singapore Prison Service. It was also released that day.
It also stated that “Nagaenthran will receive medical attention and proceedings will resume on a date to be fixed”Once he is fully recovered.
He was to be hanged Wednesday at the age of 33. M. Ravi, Dharmalingam’s legal representative, said that “Covid has allowed him to live in this world, rather than kill him.”
The man was saved by his lawyer and other activists, who claimed that Dharmalingam has intellectual disabilities and is unable to make good decisions. But the courts found that the accused knew what was going on and were not persuaded.
Dharmalingam, who was smuggling heroin up to 43g into the state of Singapore in April 2009, was taken into custody. Under Singapore’s strict drug laws, trafficking more than 15 grams of the substance can result in the death penalty.
In a historic verdict, Singapore has lifted the death penalty for a Malaysian drug smuggler. A man who smuggled in 47 grams of heroin to Singapore was sentenced to life by judges instead of being executed.
Do you like this story? Send it to a friend.
[ad_2]
