Singapore’s High Court dismisses a constitutional challenge to the mandatory death penalty for drug crimes, upholding the law amid record executions.
SINGAPORE: The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge to Singapore’s mandatory death penalty for certain drug offences.
The petition, the first such challenge in 15 years, was brought by human rights activists and relatives of three executed drug convicts.
They argued the mandatory sentence violates constitutional rights to life and equal protection under the law.
The petitioners also contended that legislation unduly restricts judicial sentencing discretion, despite 2012 amendments creating some exceptions.
Judge Hoo Sheau Peng ruled the petitioners lacked legal standing and stated the case was “bound to fail on the merits.”
In a statement, the petitioners expressed disappointment and said they may appeal.
“We are surprised that the judgement came so quickly, as there were a number of fresh and nuanced arguments raised,” they said.
The challenge was heard earlier this month amid a year where executions reached a 22-year high.
Singapore mandates the death penalty for trafficking specific drug quantities, such as 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.
The city-state has executed 17 prisoners this year, mostly drug traffickers, marking the highest annual figure since 2003.
Activists report 40 prisoners, all convicted on drug charges, are currently on death row.
Previous legal challenges to the law, including one in 2010, have also been unsuccessful.
Singaporean officials maintain the death penalty has been crucial to making the country one of the world’s safest cities.
A 2023 government survey indicated strong public support for capital punishment for serious crimes.
The latest executions occurred in November, when three people were hanged within two days, following two hangings on October 15. – AFP
