Man accused of murder freed: challenge to PM Lee Cabinet to witness execution

It’s another blow to the Singapore government which is notorious worldwide for its uncompromising stance on capital punishment.

In an astonishing turn of events, a death row inmate, Mr Ismil Kadar, was freed after 6 years in jail by the Court of Appeal who found “serious lapses” by police and prosecutors.

The frightening thing about the death penalty is its finality. New evidence that may emerge later proving a prisoner’s innocence will be purely academic.

Last year the Japanese Justice Minister was so shaken after witnessing an execution that she called for debate on capital punishment.

I challenge Mr Lee Hsien Loong’s cabinet and all PAP MPs to watch an execution by hanging if they have the guts.

While the trend worldwide is towards the abolition of the death penalty, the Singapore government perversely goes against the tide.

It is still clinging to the contention that the death penalty is a deterrent despite evidence to the contrary. If it were, Singapore would be free from drug-trafficking and serious crime like murder. But such crimes seem to hog the front pages of the newspapers in Singapore.

Congratulations to the Court of Appeal for this verdict in saving a man from death, and to his lawyer, R. Thrumurgan, who stood by him through 6 long bleak years.

A government that prides itself as a first- world nation one does not kill. Unless being a pariah in the eyes of civilized societies is appealing.