26/07/2022
Between March of this year and yesterday, Singapore has executed five people. The common element in all of the cases is that the victims of these state sanctioned killings were treated with contempt and ill will at the time of their sentencing.
The most recent killing, that of Nazeri was made even more galling when the prisoner asked for a few more days of grace so that he could see his nine siblings. This was rejected by the Judge. It was also evident to those present that Nazeri did not understand the judgement being read to him
At least one of the other five was a person with diagnosed and documented learning difficulties. It is hard to envision that that person was able to understand the issues involved in his sentencing.
I note the above with no pride whatsoever in my country of birth. I also emphasise that when those in our community urge our governments and law makers to adopt a “Singaporean” style of justice and law that they remember that this course of action is one that is part and parcel of a draconian one.
“Be careful what you wish for” has never been more apposite.
Suresh Rajan