AICHR Called Upon to Intervene in Death Row Case
KUALA LUMPUR: An insurance agent, Angelia Pranthaman, whose 37-year-old brother, Pannir Selvam, has been put on death row in Singapore for a drug trafficking offence, has urged the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to intervene.
Background of the Case
Pannir was sentenced to death after he was convicted on June 27, 2017 by the Singapore High Court for trafficking in 51.84g of diamorphine at the Woodlands Checkpoint on September 3, 2014. A letter from the Singapore president refusing clemency and the notification of execution, both dated May 17, 2019, were sent to his family, notifying them of his scheduled execution on May 24, 2019.
Arguments for Clemency
Angelia said that Pannir had consistently cooperated with Singaporean authorities and provided vital information that contributed to the investigation of drug syndicates and arrests of the suspects involved. However, she said his contributions were not fairly recognized and were dismissed. "Time is very crucial. The execution notice could be scheduled anytime, so we are pleading to the relevant authorities in Malaysia to secure the commutation of his death sentence through a certificate of substantial assistance or other diplomatic engagements," she said.
AICHR Intervention Sought
Angelia has sought the AICHR’s intervention to advocate for her brother’s death sentence to be commuted. "We are requesting for AICHR to intervene and for the foreign ministry to engage with the attorney-general and Singaporean president to ensure the cooperation given by Pannir to the police is recognized as grounds to commute his death sentence," she said.
Amnesty International’s Support
Amnesty International Malaysia, along with other organizations, has been providing support to Angelia and her family in their efforts to seek clemency for Pannir. Amnesty research and advocacy officer Nicole Fong presented 375 public petitions appealing for clemency on behalf of Pannir to AICHR’s Malaysian representative, Edmund Bon, today.
Conclusion
The case of Pannir Selvam highlights the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring that the principles of sovereignty are respected. AICHR’s intervention is crucial in this case, and Angelia and her family hope that the commission will advocate for her brother’s death sentence to be commuted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Pannir Selvam’s case?
A: Pannir Selvam is currently on death row in Singapore, with a scheduled execution date.
Q: What are the grounds for Pannir’s death sentence?
A: Pannir was convicted of trafficking in 51.84g of diamorphine at the Woodlands Checkpoint on September 3, 2014.
Q: What is the current appeal process for Pannir?
A: Pannir has exhausted all available legal avenues in Singapore, including the Court of Appeal, and has called for a review of the Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau’s (CNB) decision not to issue him a certificate of substantive assistance.
Q: What is the role of the AICHR in this case?
A: AICHR is being urged to intervene and advocate for Pannir’s death sentence to be commuted, taking into account his cooperation with Singaporean authorities and his contributions to the investigation of drug syndicates.