Can mentally disabled individuals be executed in Singapore?

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Execution of Mentally Disabled Individuals in Singapore

Human rights advocates have urged Singapore not to proceed with the executions of two individuals, a Malaysian and a Singaporean, who are reportedly suffering from mental disabilities, pending further legal appeals. The group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) stated that Singapore, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), is prohibited from executing individuals with mental disabilities. A fresh judicial review application has been filed to halt the impending hangings.
Legal Challenges to Executions Based on Mental Disability

The recent legal challenges in Singapore concern Malaysian national Puasi Jefridin and Singaporean national Roslan Bakar. Both were arrested in 2008 for drug trafficking and subsequently sentenced to death on April 22, 2010. They have spent approximately 12 years on death row and nearly 14 years in prison. An urgent application to the Singaporean Court of Appeal seeking a review of their death sentences on grounds of mental disability was dismissed.
Application of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) head coordinator Zaid Malek highlighted that Singapore's ratification of the CRPD prohibits the execution of individuals with mental disabilities. The group contends that proceeding with the executions of Puasi and Roslan, who they assert suffer from mental disabilities, would constitute a violation of due process and international human rights norms. A new judicial review application was filed urgently to prevent the executions until all legal avenues are exhausted.
Singapore's Stance on Executions and Mental Capacity

While the specific legal definition and criteria for 'mental disability' as recognised by Singaporean law are not detailed, the CRPD generally outlines protections for persons with disabilities, including in the context of legal proceedings and capital punishment. The LFL's position is that the pending judicial review application must be heard by the Singaporean courts, and no executions should be carried out before this legal process is concluded. The outcome of this pending application will be crucial in determining the immediate future of Puasi and Roslan.

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Can mentally disabled individuals be executed in Singapore?

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