Amnesty International Malaysia has expressed deep concern over the scheduled execution of Pannir Selvam Pranthaman in Singapore on 20 February. His case exemplifies significant human rights violations, which render the execution both arbitrary and unlawful under international laws. The organisation urges Singaporean authorities to cease plans for this execution and calls upon the Malaysian government to intervene urgently on Pannir’s behalf.
Chiara Sangiorgio, Amnesty’s expert on the death penalty, highlighted the alarming surge in executions in Singapore since October. She emphasized that executing individuals for drug-related offences contradicts international restrictions, placing Singapore among a few nations that still pursue such penalties. Amnesty calls for Singapore to halt its use of the death penalty and to implement a moratorium as an initial step towards eventual abolition.
Pannir was sentenced to death in 2017 for importing 51.84g of diamorphine (heroin), classified as a mere ‘courier’ in his case. Despite his circumstances, he has exhibited resilience by expressing his thoughts through songs and poems, which resonate the struggles of those on death row. His works are shared publicly through an NGO founded by his sister.
Violations within Pannir’s trial, including a mandatory death sentence and presumptive guilt without a fair assessment of his background, highlight the inherent flaws of the death penalty. The legal system’s requirements have shifted the burden of proof onto Pannir, violating the fundamental tenet of presumed innocence under international law. Such measures amplify the severity and arbitrariness surrounding capital punishment.
The Malaysian government, holding ASEAN’s chairmanship and maintaining close ties with Singapore, has a crucial role to play. With the date of execution looming, Malaysia must take all necessary actions to shield Pannir from this unjust punishment, advocating against the death penalty’s indiscriminate nature.
Amnesty International has mobilised widespread opposition to Pannir’s execution, collecting over 1,000 petitions advocating for governmental intervention in recent months. From 1 October to 7 February, Singapore executed nine individuals, predominantly for drug-related crimes, starkly positioning it as a country of concern regarding capital punishment.
Globally, the momentum against the death penalty has grown, with 113 countries abolishing it for all crimes and 144 either legally or practically moving away from its use. Amnesty International renews its plea for Singapore to halt Pannir Selvam’s execution and establish an immediate moratorium, marking a pivotal shift towards the abolition of this form of punishment.
Amnesty International Malaysia is alarmed by the impending execution of Pannir Selvam Pranthaman in Singapore, arguing it violates international human rights laws. The organisation calls for an immediate halt to the execution and urges Malaysians to intervene. Pannir’s case reveals significant flaws in the death penalty system, particularly regarding drug-related offences. The global movement against capital punishment is gaining momentum, with many countries abolishing it altogether.
In summary, the execution of Pannir Selvam Pranthaman poses serious human rights concerns and violates international law. Calls from Amnesty International highlight the need for intervention from both Singapore and Malaysia to prevent this unnecessary loss of life. As the global movement against capital punishment strengthens, immediate action is crucial to halt arbitrary executions and strive towards a humane legal framework.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
