LETTER | Time for UN to act against S'pore for its inhumane practice

LETTER | The practice of executions in Singapore is deeply disturbing and unsettling. The use of capital punishment in Singapore raises serious ethical questions about the role of the state in taking the life of an individual.

It is applied unevenly and unfairly, with marginalised communities disproportionately affected, and there is always a risk of error, which means that innocent people could be put to death.

NGOs and news media have reported that Singaporean national Tangaraju Suppiah has been imprisoned for a long time.

Sebaran Kasih would like to ask: What about the fundamental needs that every human being deserves? When was the last time Thangaraju breathed fresh air or felt the warmth of the sun on his skin? When was the last time he was embraced by his family?

Despite the severity of his punishment, the rules of the condemned cell in Singapore show little compassion for those on death row.

Small family touches

Singapore's strict death row visiting laws prohibit home-cooked food and physical contact in the condemned cell, leaving many wondering about the small family touches that every human deserves, especially during their final days.

Has Thangaraju been able to enjoy his favourite food? It is heart-wrenching to think that he may not even be allowed to savour a final meal cooked by his loved ones. Is this level of cruelty necessary?

Sebaran Kasih wonders why death-row prisoners have been denied the opportunity to say physical goodbye to their family members in person. These cruel conditions are unacceptable.

Furthermore, Thangaraju's case must be carried out with fairness, transparency, and justice to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent errors and discrimination.

It is alarming that he has been denied legal representation, a basic right for someone on death row. It is vital to recognise that crime is a multifaceted issue with various social, political, and legal factors at play.

Internationally wrongful act

In a significant development, Malaysia's Parliament has made recent reforms that will result in major changes in the country's legal system. One of the most notable changes is the removal of the mandatory death penalty, which has the potential to spare more than 1,300 prisoners currently on death row. This reform marks a significant step towards a more humane and just legal system in Malaysia.

Singapore's continued use of capital punishment for drug-related crimes goes against international law and must be reconsidered. Singapore has signed a binding treaty with customary international rules and regulations.

However, Singapore has committed an internationally wrongful act that constitutes a violation of international law. In such situations, Singapore has to be responsible for violating international law and it has to face the consequences.

Sebaran Kaish is urgently calling on the UN human rights department to demand that the Singapore government immediately halt the execution of Thangaraju scheduled for tomorrow (April 26) and impose a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

It is about time the United Nations took action against Singapore for its inhumane acts. It is only by taking compassionate and thoughtful action can we hope to create a more just and humane world.

May justice and mercy prevail in Thangaraju's case.

SEBARAN KASIH is a human rights NGO that works with marginalised communities and vulnerable families.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.