SINGAPORE: MALAYSIAN HANGED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

November 25, 2019:

A Malaysian, Abd Helmi Ab Halim, on 22 November 2019 was hanged at Changi Prison after having been convicted of drug trafficking in 2017.
The execution was confirmed by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) advisor, N. Surendran.
Abd Helmi, who was 36, was arrested on 9 April 2015 and was sentenced to death for trafficking in 16.56g of diamorphine (pure heroin) on 24 March 2017.
Abd Helmi’s plea for clemency was rejected in July.
Three days ago, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, urged Singapore to show mercy to Abd Helmi, saying it is unjust and disproportionate for drug mules to be sent to the gallows.
“Justice must be tempered with mercy and I implore Singapore to do so, ” he said adding that to eradicate drug trafficking, it is the kingpins who must face the full brunt of the law.
Meanwhile, Surendran said he was appalled that Abd Helmi was executed despite the intervention and reasonable pleas from the Malaysian government.
In a joint statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs, it said Abd Helmi’s petition to the (Singapore) President for clemency was unsuccessful.
“He was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process.
“The amount of diamorphine trafficked was equivalent to about 1,380 straws of heroin, sufficient to feed the addiction of close to 200 abusers for a week.”