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Despite pleas for compassion because he was mentally ill, a Malaysian drug Nagaenthran smuggler was executed in Singapore.

Nagaenthran Dharmalingam had been on death row since 2010 after being discovered with around three tablespoons of heroin.

His case was contentious since a medical expert determined that he had an IQ of 69, which is considered intellectually disabled.

The government, on the other hand, claims he “obviously comprehended the nature of his activities.”

The authorities previously stated that they discovered he “did not lose his sense of judgement of the rightness or wrongness of what he was doing.”

His mother’s last-ditch plea was dismissed on Tuesday, resulting in his execution.

According to a Reuters story, Nagaenthran and his family wept as they reached through a breach in a glass screen to strongly grip each other’s hands at the conclusion of Tuesday’s hearing. In the courtroom, his cries of “ma” could be heard.

The government of Singapore reacted furiously to his mother’s petition.

According to the attorney general’s office, the attempt to postpone the execution was unreasonable. Officials stated they may take legal action against those engaged in the application’s preparation.

Nagaenthran was apprehended crossing the border from Malaysia in 2009 with 43 grammes (1.5 ounces) of heroin strapped to his left thigh.

President Halimah Yacob: please spare the life of Nagaenthran Dharmalingam
@reprieve @stephenfry #SaveNagaenthran #Singapore pic.twitter.com/ElpMHzsECV
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) April 22, 2022

Those found with more than 15g of heroin face the death penalty under Singapore’s strict drug laws, which are among the strictest in the world.

During his trial, the 34-year-old claimed he was bullied into transporting the drugs, but later admitted he did so because he needed money.

His initial defence was “fabricated,” according to the judge. In the end, he was sentenced to death by hanging.

He successfully petitioned in 2015 to have his sentence commuted to life in prison on the grounds that he had an intellectual handicap.

His lawyers contended that international human rights law prohibits the execution of mentally ill people.

Rest In Peace, Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam.
Before an execution, family members are allowed to buy clothes for the prisoner to wear at a photo shoot. The photos are given to the family shortly before, or after execution.
Navin says this was Nagen’s favourite outfit and photo. pic.twitter.com/wYXfqinIIn
— Kirsten Han 韩俐颖 (@kixes) April 27, 2022

However, a judge determined that he was not cognitively impaired. A request for presidential clemency was also denied last year.

In an earlier statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “The Court of Appeal ruled that this was the working of a criminal mind, assessing the dangers and opposing benefits involved with the unlawful behaviour in question.”

The movement has gathered pace on social media, with an outpouring of anger and sympathy, notably from British billionaire Richard Branson and actor Stephen Fry, who reject capital punishment and have urged Singapore to spare Nagaenthran.

The moment he was allowed to eat his last meal was heartbreaking.

Death Row inmate eating his last favorite meal before he’s executed! The anticipation of Death is worse than death itself! But in Jesus we have hope of eternal life ! Find Jesus before it’s too late ! Bless ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/qnY57fYNFF
— Stream RAYOE’s Music🔥🎤🐐 (@GhanaSocialU) June 14, 2022