Death‑Row Drama: A Singapore Inmate Feels “Singled Out” for Execution
Singapore’s Court of Appeal has delivered a delicate verdict that could change the fate of a 36‑year‑old death‑row prisoner, Datchinamurthy Kataiah, and the 12 others who are in the same grim catch‑22.
Quick Background
- In 2015, Datchinamurthy was found guilty of trafficking almost 45 g of heroin.
- His appeal in 2016 was dismissed, leaving the death penalty hanging over his head.
- In 2020, he and another inmate, Gobi Avedian, asked for their executions to be delayed while they probed claims of “unlawful” hanging methods.
- They also complained that the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) was secretly copying and forwarding their personal letters to the Attorney‑General’s Chambers (AGC).
The Main Twist
On Monday, May 30, the Court of Appeal issued written grounds explaining why it upheld a stay of execution for Datchinamurthy, who was set to be hanged on April 29.
Datchinamurthy, who represented himself in court, argued that he was treated differently than the other 12 inmates. He wanted a judicial review because the execution schedule seemed to single him out.
Key Points from the Court
- Judge Hoo Sheau Peng had already issued a stay on April 28, keeping his execution on hold.
- The appeal lodged by the Attorney‑General’s Chambers was dismissed by the three‑judge apex panel.
- Justice Andrew Phang’s written ground stated that the civil case filed by the inmates is a “relevant pending proceeding” and that Datchinamurthy wouldn’t have a fair chance to present his case if the execution went ahead.
- The court acknowledged an “unequal treatment” claim, declaring that while differential treatment could be justified, it presently looked as if Datchinamurthy had been “singled out.”
- However, the panel cautioned that a score‑based or meritless pause on an execution isn’t automatic just because of unequal treatment.
Other Cases for Context
Remember the international buzz around Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, another Malaysian drug trafficker? His last‑minute attempt to stall a scheduled execution on Nov 10, 2021 made headlines but ultimately failed—he was hanged on April 27.
What’s Next for Datchinamurthy?
- Pre‑trial conference for the judicial review: June 1.
- Pre‑trial conference for the civil claim: June 9.
As the legal drama unfolds, the court’s decision reminds us that even in death‑row, the law still respects a man’s right to a fair shot—provided the facts support it.
