Family of Singaporean on death row for cannabis pleads for clemency

The family of Tangaraju Suppiah, a Singaporean man who is set to be executed by hanging on Wednesday for conspiring to smuggle over a kilogram of cannabis, is pleading for clemency from the authorities and requesting a retrial.

Despite being sentenced to death in 2018, Tangaraju’s family insists that he did not receive a fair trial and is urging the president to review their petitions.

At a press conference, Tangaraju’s sister Leelavathy Suppiah spoke about her brother’s character, describing him as a kind and well-liked person who has always helped his family.

She broke down in tears, expressing her hope that the president will consider their pleas for clemency.

“We don’t think my brother’s had a fair trial … I have faith the president will read all our petitions,” his sister Leelavathy Suppiah said.

She added that; “Since young, he’s been kind and well-liked by everyone, and he’s never done anything bad to anyone … he’s sacrificed everything to help his family.”

While Singapore has some of the toughest anti-narcotics laws in the world, with the death penalty serving as a deterrent against drug trafficking, Tangaraju’s case has sparked criticism from activists who are calling for the abolition of capital punishment. In neighboring countries like Thailand, cannabis has been decriminalized.

Tangaraju’s family and activists argue that there were flaws in the case against him, including the fact that he was questioned by police without legal counsel and that he was denied a Tamil interpreter during the recording of his first police statement.

Last year, Singapore carried out 11 executions, all of which were drug-related offenses. However, Tangaraju’s case has gained attention due to allegations of injustice, and the family is hoping for a last-minute reprieve.

Despite his readiness to face his fate, Tangaraju believes that God will help him.