Sir Richard Branson Rejected an Invite to Debate Singapore’s Death Penalty on TV

October 31, 2022 By Jozeph P

(Image Credit Google)

Sir Richard Branson declined a government of Singapore's offer to participate in a live televised debate about the nation's drug policy and use of the death sentence. He was invited to participate in a conversation with K Shanmugam, the city state's minister of home affairs. According to the British businessman, Singapore should not execute people for offenses like drug smuggling. Additionally, he protested Nagaenthran Dharmalingam's execution for narcotics trafficking. Television debates are "always at risk of prioritizing personalities over issues - cannot do the complexity of the death penalty any service," Sir Richard wrote in an open letter published on his blog. He also urged the island nation's authorities to engage with locals in "constructive, lasting dialogue involving multiple stakeholders, and a true commitment to transparency and evidence” to assist it in finding a means to abolish the death sentence. Sir Richard Branson

Furthermore, the Virgin Group founder claimed in a previous blog post that the government "seems bent on executing scores of low-level drug smugglers, mostly members of poor, disadvantaged minorities." Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs responded to Sir Richard's claim earlier this month.

Nagaenthran's case

Sir Richard Branson continued by saying that despite having "a well-documented intellectual disability," Malaysian Nagaenthran Dharmalingam had been hanged in Singapore earlier this year for narcotics trafficking. For those unaware, Nagaenthran was apprehended in 2009 when he crossed the border from Malaysia into Singapore with 43g (1.5oz) of heroin strapped to his left thigh. Those found in possession of more than 15g of heroin face the death penalty under Singapore's one of the strictest drug laws in the world. Sir Richard Branson

The 34-year-old claimed throughout his trial that he was forced to transport the drugs, but he later claimed that he did it because he needed the money. Additionally, his initial defense, according to the court, was "fabricated." Hence, he was ultimately given a hanging death sentence. Nagaenthran's case was very contentious because a medical expert determined that he had an IQ of 69, which is considered to be intellectually disabled. However, a judge determined that he was not cognitively challenged. After Nagaenthran was put to death, a wave of protests broke out as people voiced their disapproval of what they perceived as his death sentence's injustice.

What's more

On another note, the Singaporean government invited Sir Richard to participate in a live televised debate with Mr.Shanmugam and offered to cover his travel and lodging expenses in response to his criticism. Lastly, the South East Asian nation's government claims that the death sentence is a potent deterrent that has prevented powerful drug cartels from establishing themselves there. Also, Read: Hong Kong Offering Free Flight Tickets To Attract Users

By Jozeph P

Journalism explorer, tech Enthusiast. Love to read and write.

Sir Richard Branson Rejected an Invite to Debate Singapore’s Death Penalty on TV

Nagaenthran's case

What's more

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