Singapore executes third drug trafficker in a week as UN renews calls to stop hangings

The UN and rights groups say capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect and have called for it to be abolished, but Singaporean officials insist it has helped make the country one of Asia’s safest.

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said the death sentence was carried out for Rosman Abdullah, convicted of trafficking 57.43 grams (2.03 ounces) of heroin.

Under the country’s tough drug laws, the death penalty kicks in for any amount above a 15-gram threshold.

The hanging at Changi prison followed the November 15 execution of two men – a 39-year-old Malaysian and a 53-year-old Singaporean – also for drug trafficking.

“Rosman was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process,” CNB said in a statement.