Singapore on Friday executed Rosman Abdullah, a 55-year-old man convicted of drug trafficking, marking the third hanging in the city-state within a week. The execution has reignited criticism from the United Nations and human rights advocates, who argue that capital punishment for drug-related crimes violates international human rights standards.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) stated that Abdullah had been convicted of trafficking 57.43 grams (2.03 ounces) of heroin, exceeding Singapore’s threshold of 15 grams for mandatory capital punishment under its stringent drug laws. “Rosman was accorded full due process under the law and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process,” the CNB said.
Abdullah’s hanging follows the November 15 execution of two others: a 39-year-old Malaysian and a 53-year-old Singaporean, both convicted of drug trafficking. These latest executions bring the total number of hangings in Singapore this year to eight, seven of which were related to drug offences.
Singapore resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, 24 individuals have been executed, according to an AFP tally.
The city-state’s strict drug laws have drawn condemnation from international bodies, including the United Nations, which argues that capital punishment for drug-related crimes violates international human rights law.
UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani reiterated the organization’s opposition to the death penalty for drug offences, citing evidence of its ineffectiveness as a deterrent. “The use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is incompatible with international human rights law. There is increasing evidence showing the ineffectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent,” Shamdasani said.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have consistently criticized Singapore’s use of the death penalty, particularly for drug offences, which they argue disproportionately target marginalized and vulnerable individuals.
However, Singaporean officials have defended the practice, asserting that it has contributed to making the country one of the safest in Asia. The CNB maintains that capital punishment is reserved for the “most serious crimes, such as the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs which cause very serious harm” to individuals and society.
Singapore’s enforcement of the death penalty stands in stark contrast to the global trend toward abolition. While many countries, including several in Asia, have moved away from capital punishment, Singapore continues to argue its necessity for maintaining public safety.
Critics point out that capital punishment disproportionately affects low-level couriers rather than major traffickers. They also argue that the policy fails to address the root causes of drug trafficking, such as poverty and systemic inequality, and does little to deter crime.
As Singapore faces mounting international pressure to reconsider its stance, the debate highlights a broader question about the effectiveness of punitive measures in combating drug-related crimes. Advocates for reform urge the city-state to adopt approaches that focus on rehabilitation and systemic change rather than retribution.
For now, Singapore remains steadfast in its defense of capital punishment, setting the stage for continued tension with human rights organizations and the global community.
