By Ayomide Otitoju
Singapore executed a 55-year-old man, Rosman Abdullah, for drug trafficking on Friday, marking the city-state’s third hanging in a week despite renewed calls from the United Nations for a moratorium on the death penalty.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said Abdullah was convicted of trafficking 57.43 grams (2.03 ounces) of heroin, exceeding the 15-gram threshold for mandatory capital punishment under Singapore’s stringent drug laws.
The execution took place at Changi Prison after Abdullah had exhausted all legal appeals, including a plea for presidential clemency. First sentenced in July 2010, Abdullah’s execution brings the total number of hangings in Singapore this year to eight, seven of which were for drug-related offences.
UN and Rights Groups Condemn Executions
The UN and human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Singapore’s use of capital punishment, arguing it lacks evidence as an effective deterrent. On Thursday, UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urged the country to reconsider its stance, stating:
“The use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is incompatible with international human rights law. There is increasing evidence showing the ineffectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent.”
Singapore Defends Policy
Singaporean authorities remain resolute, insisting the death penalty is crucial to maintaining law and order in the country. The CNB described capital punishment as a measure reserved for the “most serious crimes,” such as trafficking substantial quantities of drugs, which it says cause “very serious harm” to individuals and society.
The latest execution follows the hangings of a 39-year-old Malaysian and a 53-year-old Singaporean on November 15, also for drug trafficking offences. Since resuming executions in March 2022 after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, Singapore has hanged 24 people, according to an AFP tally.
Global Debate Over Capital Punishment
Singapore’s use of the death penalty contrasts with a global trend toward its abolition. Many countries, including several in Asia, have moved away from capital punishment or imposed moratoriums. However, Singaporean officials argue that their strict drug laws contribute to the city-state’s reputation as one of the safest in the region.
The debate over the effectiveness and morality of the death penalty continues to polarize international opinion, with Singapore standing firm against growing global pressure for reform.
