Second Execution in a Week
Singapore witnessed the execution of Saridewi Binte Djamani, 45, on Friday, making her the first woman to face capital punishment in nearly two decades for drug-related charges. According to the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore, the execution took place early in the day, marking the second such incident this week.
Conviction and Sentence
Djamani was convicted for possessing not less than 30.72 grams of diamorphine, or pure heroin, with the intent to traffic. Her conviction led to a death sentence on July 6, 2018, and despite her appeal against it, her plea was dismissed on Oct. 06 last year.
Throughout the legal process, Saridewi was provided with legal representation and given due process under the law, according to the bureau.
Singapore’s Harsh Drug Laws
Singapore is known for its stringent drug laws, and this marks the first execution of a woman since 2004 when Yen May Woen, a hairdresser convicted of drug trafficking, was executed. The country has a reputation for having one of the world’s harshest drug laws.
Unsuccessful Plea for Clemency
Despite Saridewi’s petition to the Singaporean president for clemency, her plea was unsuccessful, leading to her execution for drug-related charges.
Recent Executions
Prior to Saridewi’s execution, the Central Narcotics Bureau had executed Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, who was found guilty of possessing not less than 49.98 grams of diamorphine, or pure heroin, for the purpose of trafficking.
Earlier this year, Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, faced the death penalty in April for “abetting” a “conspiracy to traffic drugs,” marking Singapore’s first execution in 2022.
Ongoing Debate on Capital Punishment
Amid growing calls for abandoning capital punishment, the advocacy group Transformative Justice Collective has reported yet another scheduled execution for Aug. 3.
As Singapore resumed implementing death penalties in March 2022, the debate on the use of capital punishment continues to be a subject of concern and discussion.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
