Singapore defends decision to hang Melbourne man

The Singapore High Commission in Canberra has defended its Government's decision to hang convicted Australian drug trafficker Van Nguyen.

It is the first official comment from the Singaporean Government since the 25-year-old Melbourne man's appeal for clemency was rejected last Friday.

The high commissioner, Joseph Koh, has issued a statement acknowledging the death penalty is difficult for Nguyen's family to accept.

Mr Koh says Singapore takes a serious view of all drug offences.

He argues the strict anti-drug laws send a clear message to drug syndicates.

Mr Koh insists Nguyen was given a fair hearing and his appeal for clemency was carefully considered, but the Singaporean President was unable to make an exception in Nguyen's case.

He says the stand his Government has taken is consistent with the firm position Singapore has taken on similar cases involving both Singaporeans and foreigners.

Mr Koh says while not everyone may agree with that view, he hopes they will understand Singapore's position.

'Still hope'

Nguyen's lawyer, Julian McMahon, says he does not think Mr Koh's statement indicates the case is closed.

"The reason we've always had hope for Van and still do is he fits in that slim margin of cases where there's room for flexibility," he said.

The Australian Government is making a further appeal to the Singaporean Government.

Nguyen was sentenced to die for smuggling 400 grams of heroin into Singapore in 2002.

He told police he was smuggling the drugs to Australia to help pay off a debt owed by his twin brother.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems...0/s1491891.htm

This is way harsh! The dude probably knew the risk and played the wheel but still! Death for drugs? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

Yea it is harsh but the affect the 400 grams of heroin woulda had on ppl woulda been terrible if he dies thats 1 life lost cause of 400 grams of heroin but if it got on the steet who knows how many ppl woulda died cos of that heroin.