Singapore executes Indian-origin man for supplying cannabis
What's the story
Singapore hanged an Indian-origin man convicted of drug trafficking on Wednesday despite calls from the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations to reconsider the execution.
According to Reuters, 46-year-old Tangaraju Suppiah attempted to smuggle one kilogram of cannabis in 2013, which is double the threshold for the death penalty in Singapore.
He was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to death in 2018.
Criticism
Singapore's social policies harking back to colonialism: Richard Branson
On Monday, British billionaire Richard Branson, known for his strong opinion against the death penalty, alleged that Singapore was going to "kill an innocent man."
"It's sad to see some of Singapore's social policies harking back to colonialism and reminiscent of medieval times," he tweeted.
In response, the Singapore government said Branson was peddling falsehoods and disrespecting its justice system.
Twitter Post
Check out the Twitter post by Branson
In the coming days, Singapore may kill an innocent man. The case is particularly shocking, given the defendant was not anywhere near the drugs in question at the time of his arrest. Here’s more about Tangaraju Suppiah’s case: https://t.co/zMQ4owW4os pic.twitter.com/HMLe1WzF7m
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) April 23, 2023
UN's appeal
12th execution in Singapore since March 2022: UN
On Tuesday, he UN Human Rights also urged the Singapore government not to go ahead with the execution, saying that "imposing the death penalty for drug offenses is incompatible with international norms and standards."
The agency noted that this was the twelfth execution in the country since March 2022.
Per Reuters, the Singapore government believes that the punishment is an effective deterrent against drugs.
Twitter Post
Check out UN's appeal to Singapore government
#Singapore: We urge the Government not to proceed with the imminent hanging of Tangaraju Suppiah. Imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with intl norms & standards. pic.twitter.com/DPfiahHcqo
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) April 25, 2023