Singapore carried out its 12th execution of 2025 on october 8, hanging a malaysian national for a drug trafficking offense. the execution of pannir selvam pranthaman, 38, marks a continuation of the city-state's use of capital punishment despite intensifying calls from human rights advocates to halt the practice.

Pranthaman was executed at dawn, the typical time for hangings in Singapore. he was arrested in 2014 and sentenced to death in 2017 for trafficking 52 grams of heroin into the country. according to reports, his legal appeals were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to his execution this week.

this recent execution closely follows another. just last week, Singapore hanged datchinamurthy kataiah, also a malaysian national, for trafficking 45 grams of heroin. his case was the 11th execution in the country this year, highlighting a steady pace of capital sentences being carried out, particularly for drug-related crimes.

Singapore's legal framework imposes a mandatory death penalty for trafficking certain quantities of illicit drugs, including as little as 15 grams of heroin. the government has consistently defended its policy, arguing that capital punishment is a critical deterrent against serious crime and is essential for maintaining public safety. this stance persists even as public support, while still a majority, has shown a decline in recent years. a 2021 study indicated that over 80% of singaporeans supported retaining the death penalty.

international and domestic critics, however, decry the policy. human rights organizations like amnesty international have repeatedly condemned Singapore's laws, arguing they are ineffective at deterring drug trafficking and disproportionately punish low-level couriers rather than dismantling criminal syndicates. activists continue to campaign for clemency and a moratorium on all executions.

the method of execution in Singapore is hanging by the long drop method, a practice that has been a consistent part of its justice system. while the most recently confirmed execution prior to this year's series was in february 2024, the recent cases involving pranthaman and kataiah signal the government's unwavering commitment to its stringent anti-drug policies.