My heart absolutely goes out to the family and friends of Tuong Van Nguyen who is currently sitting on death row in Singapore for a first and only offence. Granted, he committed a crime and deserves to be punished but to put him to death will not stop the 'Mister Bigs of the drug world' from preying on people who are in most desperate situations.

People say so easily 'he knew the risks' and yes he would have known the risks but it would appear that he thought the risk was worth it, if it meant saving his twin brother's life. These situations are not black and white. Some people make the wrong choices in life and sometimes they do it for what they think will fix the problem easily. But before too long they are in way over their head and in most cases, end up in a place that is far worse. I don't condone drug trafficking and I don't condone capital punishment. I believe that Tuong Van Nguyen, like everyone else, deserves a second chance to redeem himself, after all, this is his first and only offence.

I think that killing a drug mule, albeit a first timer as in this case, isn't ever going to put a dent in the heart of the drug trade problem.

I hope that our Government can influence the Singapore Government to stop this execution in the name of humanity. But if nothing can prevent this action, then I express my deepest condolences to Tuong's family and friends. I will pray for his mother Kim to find strength in her heart especially after everything she has already endured. I hope that one day she will find peace!

Kay Danes
Former Political Prisoner of Laos [2000-2001]
Human Rights Advocate
Foreign Prisoner Support Service
https://foreignprisoners.com
PO Box 391
Capalaba QLD 4157

Click Here for Nguyen Tuong Van Case Page