Singapore hangs first woman for drug trafficking in 19 years: Report
The Central Narcotics Bureau in Singapore confirmed that Saridewi Djamani, 45, was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking nearly 31 grams (1.09 ounces) of diamorphine, which is also known as pure heroin. According to the bureau, the quantity of heroin she was carrying was deemed significant enough to “feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week.”
Singapore has strict drug laws and drug trafficking is punishable by death in certain circumstances. Despite calls from activists to abolish capital punishment for drug-related offences, the execution of Saridewi Djamani took place, marking the first execution of a woman in the country in 19 years.
It’s important to recognize that drug-related offences are considered serious crimes in many countries, and different nations have varying legal frameworks and approaches to tackling drug trafficking and abuse. Capital punishment remains a highly debated and sensitive issue globally, with contrasting viewpoints on its effectiveness as a deterrent and its ethical implications.
Singapore has stringent drug laws that impose the death penalty for individuals convicted of trafficking certain quantities of drugs. The death penalty is mandated for trafficking more than 500 grams (17.64 ounces) of cannabis and 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of heroin.
Saridewi Djamani’s execution, as reported by The Associated Press, occurred two days after the execution of Mohammed Aziz Hussain, a Singaporean man who was convicted of trafficking around 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of heroin.
The application of the death penalty for drug-related offences continues to raise debates and discussions worldwide, with proponents and opponents expressing different viewpoints on its effectiveness as a deterrent and its human rights implications.The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore stated that both prisoners, Saridewi Djamani and Mohammed Aziz Hussain, were given due process, including the right to appeal their conviction and sentence, as well as the opportunity to petition for presidential clemency. This assertion indicates that the legal proceedings adhered to the country’s established legal protocols.
Despite the adherence to due process, human rights groups, international activists, and the United Nations have called on Singapore to halt executions for drug offences. They argue that there is increasing evidence suggesting that the use of the death penalty as a deterrent for drug-related crimes may not be effective.
Singapore has faced criticism for its continued use of the death penalty for drug offences, with human rights groups expressing concern over the high number of executions. As reported, the country executed 15 people for drug offences since the resumption of hangings in March 2022, averaging approximately one execution per month.
The ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty for drug offences highlights the complexity of the issue and the differing perspectives on its efficacy and human rights implications. Many countries and international organizations have moved towards abolishing capital punishment, citing concerns about its deterrent effect and potential violation of human rights.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for authorities in Singapore and the international community to engage in constructive dialogues to address these concerns and consider alternative approaches to tackling drug-related crimes while upholding human rights principles.The case of Yen May Woen, a 36-year-old hairdresser hanged in Singapore in 2004 for drug trafficking, highlights the rare occurrence of women being executed in the country. This case, along with the recent execution of Saridewi Djamani, has drawn the attention of anti-death penalty activists, who advocate for the abolition of capital punishment for drug offences.
Singapore authorities, on the other hand, have maintained their position that capital punishment is crucial in combating drug demand and supply. They argue that the strict enforcement of the death penalty serves as a deterrent to potential drug traffickers and sends a strong message about the severity of drug-related crimes.
The debate over the death penalty for drug offences is complex and multifaceted, with divergent viewpoints on its effectiveness as a deterrent and its compatibility with international human rights standards. Countries that retain capital punishment often argue that it plays a crucial role in curbing drug-related activities. At the same time, abolitionist groups and human rights advocates raise concerns about its impact on individuals’ right to life and the potential for wrongful convictions.
The case of Yen May Woen and the recent executions in Singapore has reignited discussions on the use of the death penalty for drug offences. As this topic continues to be debated both within Singapore and on the international stage, it remains a contentious issue that raises questions about justice, human rights, and the most effective approaches to addressing drug-related crimes.
The Transformative Justice Collective, a Singapore-based group advocating for the abolishment of capital punishment, reported that a new execution notice has been issued for another prisoner scheduled for August 3rd. This would mark the fifth execution in Singapore in 2023 alone, drawing attention to the ongoing use of the death penalty in the country.
Critics have raised concerns about Singapore’s harsh policy, particularly regarding its impact on low-level traffickers and couriers. These individuals are often recruited from marginalized groups with vulnerabilities, making them more susceptible to exploitation and involvement in drug-related activities. Critics argue that the current approach primarily targets the lower rungs of the drug trade while not addressing the root causes of drug-related problems.
Singapore’s use of capital punishment for drug offences also contrasts with the global trend of more countries moving away from the death penalty. For example, neighbouring Thailand has legalized cannabis, taking a more lenient approach to certain drug-related offences, while Malaysia recently abolished the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes.
The international community continues to grapple with the complexities of drug policy and the use of capital punishment. Advocates for human rights and criminal justice reform argue for alternatives to the death penalty, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying social issues and providing rehabilitative approaches for drug offenders.
As the debate over capital punishment and drug policy continues, countries worldwide are evaluating their approaches to criminal justice and drug control, seeking a balance between public safety, human rights, and effective measures to combat drug-related issues.
