What legal arguments were used to challenge the death sentence?

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Legal Arguments Used to Challenge Death Sentence Rejected by Singapore Court

A Singapore court has dismissed appeals against the execution of Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, a Malaysian convicted of drug smuggling. His legal team argued that he should be spared due to mental impairment and objected to the use of prison medical records, citing confidentiality. The court found no admissible evidence of a decline in his mental condition and rejected the request for an independent psychiatric review.
Argument of Mental Impairment Dismissed

Nagaenthran Dharmalingam's legal team contended that his mental impairment warranted sparing him from the death penalty. However, the court, comprising a five-judge panel, found that there was no admissible evidence presented to demonstrate any decline in his mental condition. This lack of evidence led to the dismissal of the argument that his mental state should exempt him from execution.
Objection to Prison Medical Records and Request for Independent Review

The defence team also raised objections to presenting Nagaenthran Dharmalingam's prison medical records, citing confidentiality concerns. Instead, they requested an independent psychiatric review to assess his condition. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon deemed the bid to prevent the disclosure of medical reports unreasonable and subsequently dismissed the request for an independent psychiatric review.
Exhaustion of Legal Options Confirmed

Following the court's rulings, it has been confirmed that Nagaenthran Dharmalingam has exhausted his legal avenues to escape the death penalty. M. Ravi, a former lawyer assisting in the case, informed reporters that all legal options have been pursued and concluded without success in preventing the execution.
Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups

Anti-death penalty advocacy group Reprieve has stated its belief that Nagaenthran Dharmalingam is intellectually disabled and, therefore, should be protected from capital punishment. Reprieve director Maya Foa has called on Singapore's President Halimah Yacob to consider appeals for mercy from both within Singapore and internationally.

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What legal arguments were used to challenge the death sentence?

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