On the 22nd World Day Against the Death Penalty, Singapore continues its executions, marking it as an outlier in Asia, where other countries are embracing reform. The recent execution of Mohamed Azwan bin Bohari, amidst pending appeals and calls for halts from the UN, exemplifies a troubling commitment to capital punishment, particularly for drug offenses. Meanwhile, neighboring nations exhibit progressive tendencies by enhancing due process rights or seeking abolition of the death penalty altogether. This growing divergence calls for a moratorium in Singapore to align with emerging human rights standards.
On the solemn occasion of the 22nd World Day Against the Death Penalty, Singapore stands as an anomaly in Asia, steadfastly clinging to its death penalty practices while its neighbors cautiously move toward reform. In stark contrast to a region increasingly advocating for the reduction of capital punishment, Singapore remains unyielding, continuing the execution of death-row prisoners amid a chorus of international appeals for mercy and change. Not long ago, Mohamed Azwan bin Bohari was executed for drug trafficking on October 4, despite an appeal still pending and voices from the UN Human Rights Office advocating for a halt to the execution. His family, grappling with despair, received just four days’ notice—a heart-wrenching reminder of the abruptness that accompanies such state-sanctioned retribution. Meanwhile, the government has sought to silence critiques from groups like the Transformative Justice Collective, issuing them a notification mandating a government-determined correction of their reporting on Azwan’s case. Other countries in the region have taken steps toward moderation. Malaysia has abolished the mandatory death penalty for certain offenses while retaining it for drug trafficking. Taiwan’s judiciary has upheld the death penalty but with newfound restrictions that enhance due process rights, a clear move towards ensuring fairness in life-and-death situations. Japan recently witnessed a profound shift when Iwao Hakamata, once condemned to death for 58 years, was acquitted, shedding light on the fallibility of capital punishment. This growing emphasis on upholding human dignity starkly contrasts with Singapore’s entrenchment in outdated practices. Here, the air hangs heavy with dread, as many remain on death row with scant hope for their appeals—like Azwan, who faced a chillingly brief notice of execution. The government’s current stance only amplifies fears of further executions, raising the haunting specter of irrevocable loss for families already bracing for tragedy. As Singapore’s progression diverges from its neighbors, the call for reform becomes a clarion call—one that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s administration should heed. The imposition of a moratorium on the death penalty would signal a pivotal shift towards human rights, potentially steering the nation toward total abolition in the future.
The global landscape on capital punishment has seen a noteworthy trend toward abolition or moratoriums, particularly among Asian nations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulates that if the death penalty is maintained, it should be reserved only for the most grievous crimes. Yet, despite these guidelines and the examples being set by other countries in the region, Singapore’s unwavering reliance on capital punishment, particularly for drug offenses, paints a grim picture of its commitment to human rights. The tension between governmental authority and civil activism over this issue has sharpened amid international scrutiny and appeals from various human rights groups, evidencing a critical juncture in the discourse surrounding capital punishment in Singapore.
The stark juxtaposition of Singapore’s actions against the backdrop of a shifting regional landscape regarding capital punishment reveals a troubling commitment to state-sanctioned executions. As other countries take significant strides toward minimizing or abolishing the death penalty altogether, Singapore’s resistance raises serious questions about its alignment with contemporary human rights standards. A moratorium on the death penalty would not only enhance Singapore’s standing on the international stage but could also pave the way for a future free from this irreversible form of punishment, reflecting a true commitment to justice and compassion.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
