Singapore’s High Court dismissed on Tuesday the first legal challenge in years to the city state’s mandatory death penalty for certain drug crimes, a blow for campaigners in a year that has seen executions peak.
Human rights activists and relatives of three executed drug convicts had petitioned the court, arguing that the mandatory death penalty violates parts of Singapore’s constitution guaranteeing the right to life and equal protection under the law.
They also said legislation restricts judges from using their own discretion in issuing sentences, despite amendments in 2012 that carved out some exceptions.
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Judge Hoo Sheau Peng ruled that the petitioners lacked legal standing, while saying that “in any event, [the case] is bound to fail on the merits”.
The petitioners said in a statement they were disappointed by the ruling and may appeal it.
We are surprised that the judgment came so quickly, as there were a number of fresh and nuanced arguments raised
“We are surprised that the judgment came so quickly, as there were a number of fresh and nuanced arguments raised,” they said.
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