The Singapore Court Of Appeal has granted Malaysian death role inmate Pannir Selvam a stay of execution just hours before he was set to be hanged today, 20th February. The ruiling provides Pannir an opportunity to further appeal his conviction and sentence.
Execution Halted Last Minute
37 year old Pannir, was initially set to be executed early this morning after being convicted of drug trafficking in 2017. However, Judge Woo Bih Li of the Appellate Division ordered a stay of execution and sought to file a post apparel application under Singapore’s Post-Appeal Application in Capital Cases (PACC) Act which allows inmates to submit appeals even after using all other legal options.
This last minute grant was given due to unresolved legal proceedings, including Pannir’s complaint against his former lawyer, Ong Ying Ping, with the Law Society of Singapore. The judge noted that executing Pannir now would prevent him from testifying in his complaint which is crucial for his case.
Another important factor is the ongoing legal challenge against Singapore’s drug laws. Pannir’s legal team argues that the rules require the accused to prove his side rather than the prosecution proving guilt.
What Is The Case?
Pannir was arrested in 2014, at Woodlands checkpoint for carrying 51.84g of heroin an offence that carries the mandatory death penalty under Singapore’s strict drug laws. Despite maintaining that he was just a courier and unaware of the actual contents of the package, he was convicted and sentenced to death in 2017.
This is not the first time Pannir has been granted a last minute stay. In 2019, he received a similar stay of execution just hours before execution. His family, activist and human rights organization have continuously advocated for justice, arguing that his case was made by unfair legal representation and procedural flaws.
Human right groups, including Amnesty International have been condaming Singapore’s strict drug laws and called on Malaysian authorities to help. Candlelight vigils were held in both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to protest against the punishment and express support for Pannir and his family
A Temporary Relief But Uncertain Future
While this decision by the court spares Pannir from immediate execution, he still remains on death row. His legal team is now focusing on the next steps including the outcome of his complaint against his former lawyer and constitutional challenge to Singapore’s drug laws.
For now Pannir’s family and supporters are holding onto the hope that justice will be given to him.
Sources: SAYS , Malaysia Now
