Singapore executes man for heroin trafficking, second execution in days

The United Nations and human rights groups say the death penalty has no proven deterrent effect and have called for its abolition. Singaporean officials, however, insist it has helped make the country one of the safest in Asia.

“The death sentence passed on a 59-year-old Singaporean man was carried out on 7 August 2024,” the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a statement.

The man was convicted of trafficking “at least 35.85” grams (1.3 ounces) of pure heroin.

Trafficking more than 15 grams of heroin is punishable by death under Singapore’s tough drug laws.

“He was given due process in accordance with the law and was represented by a lawyer throughout the process,” the CNB said.

“He appealed his conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal on May 11, 2022. His request for clemency to the President was unsuccessful.”

No further details were provided.

This is the second execution in Singapore in less than a week and the third this year.

In February, a 35-year-old Bangladeshi man, Ahmed Salim, was sent to the gallows for the murder of his former fiancée in Singapore.

Wednesday’s execution brings to 19 the number of people hanged since Singapore resumed carrying out death sentences in March 2022, according to an AFP tally.

Singapore had suspended hangings for two years during the Covid-19 pandemic.