Singapore’s death penalty for drug offences has come under fire again as it executed three men last week. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
Singapore carried out three executions for drug offences last week, bringing the total number of people hanged this year to 17 – the highest figure recorded since 2003. The latest executions come just days before a constitutional challenge against the death penalty for drug crimes is scheduled to be heard in court.
The country continues to enforce some of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world, which authorities say are needed to deter trafficking and keep drug-related crime under control. Under current law, anyone found guilty of trafficking certain quantities – such as more than 15g of diamorphine or 250g of methamphetamine – automatically receives the death penalty.
