Singapore urged to halt Malaysian drug convict's execution

Singapore maintains that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime and has rejected calls to abolish capital punishment.-AFP

Singapore (AFP) - Human rights activists have urged Singapore to halt the looming execution of a Malaysian drug trafficker, citing a pending appeal in his home country and alleged flaws in his trial.

Prabagaran Srivijayan was sentenced to death in 2012 for trafficking 22.24 grams (0.8 ounces) of heroin, but has consistently maintained his innocence.