Another Malaysian to Face Execution in Singapore
Background
The Singapore Prison Service had sent Hamzah Ibrahim’s niece a letter informing her that he will be executed next Wednesday. (Reuters pic)
Upcoming Execution
Hamzah Ibrahim, who is in his 60s, will be executed on February 26, according to his former lawyer, M Ravi. Ravi cited a letter the Singapore Prison Service had sent to Hamzah’s niece, dated February 19. In the letter, the niece was told she could have extended visits with him until the day before his execution.
Background on the Case
In 2017, the Singapore High Court sentenced Hamzah to death for trafficking in 26.29gm of diamorphine. He had been given a Certificate of Substantive Assistance (CSA) for assisting the Singapore police’s narcotics bureau in "disrupting drug trafficking activities", but the court decided to hand him the death sentence. "He did not qualify for the alternative sentencing of life imprisonment as he was not considered to be a courier, which is the second requirement for alternative sentencing after getting a CSA," said Ravi in an Instagram post. "I urge the local and international community to join in our urgent campaign to save Hamzah from being killed next Wednesday."
Recent Stay of Execution for Another Malaysian
This came after another Malaysian, P Pannir Selvam, was granted an 11th-hour stay of execution by Singapore’s Court of Appeal on Wednesday. He was set to be executed on Thursday. In 2017, Pannir was convicted by the Singapore High Court of trafficking in 51.84gm of diamorphine at the Woodlands checkpoint on September 3, 2014. The stay of execution was granted due to an ongoing challenge to Section 18(2) of Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act and his complaint about the conduct of his previous lawyer in Singapore, Ong Ying Ping. Pannir, who was given a package by a Malaysian to be handed over to a Singaporean man once he arrived in Singapore, has consistently denied knowing that the package contained drugs. He was also granted a stay of execution in 2019.
Conclusion
The execution of Hamzah Ibrahim is a stark reminder of the harsh penalties imposed by Singapore for drug-related crimes. While the country’s laws are designed to combat drug trafficking, the debate surrounding the death penalty and its effectiveness in reducing crime rates continues to be a contentious issue. As the international community watches, the fate of Hamzah Ibrahim hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the crime committed by Hamzah Ibrahim?
Hamzah Ibrahim was convicted of trafficking in 26.29gm of diamorphine. - What is the sentence imposed on Hamzah Ibrahim?
Hamzah Ibrahim was sentenced to death. - What is the current status of Hamzah Ibrahim’s case?
Hamzah Ibrahim is set to be executed on February 26, 2025. - What is the background of P Pannir Selvam’s case?
P Pannir Selvam was convicted of trafficking in 51.84gm of diamorphine and was granted a stay of execution by Singapore’s Court of Appeal. - What is the current status of P Pannir Selvam’s case?
P Pannir Selvam’s case is ongoing, with a stay of execution granted by Singapore’s Court of Appeal.