Branson convinced gallows at its end after Nagaenthran's death

 

British billionaire Richard Branson is mourning the death and execution of Nagaenthran Dharmalingam.

However, Branson (above) is convinced that the use of capital punishment is nearing an end.

“In the hours and days to come (after Nagaenthran’s execution), there will be anger, frustration and profound sadness. 

“But, more than ever, I am convinced that the death penalty is on its way out. It’s in our hands to end it in our lifetime,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Nagaenthran Dharmalingam’s funeral in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak

Nagaenthran - who is said to have a mild intellectual disability due to his lower-than-average IQ of 69 - was executed for drug trafficking.

His case has caught public attention, with many on social media criticising the Singaporean justice system for not commuting his death sentence.

Saying he was heartbroken, Branson said Singapore had been stubborn in the case,

“Singapore’s relentless machinery of death did what it always does. Stubbornly clinging to the letter of the law, it left no room for decency, dignity, compassion, or mercy. 

“Let’s be clear: Nagaenthran was not a criminal. He was a victim – of his circumstances; of drug cartels that prey on the vulnerable; of a justice system rigged against the marginalised and the poor. 

“Humanity has failed him,” he said. - Mkini