as the saying goes, When in Rome, do as the romans do. You would have to be a mentally retarded deaf blind man to not know the consequences of even looking at drugs in singas, its exactly the same in arabian countries where if you steal they lop off your hand. Sure, the poor guys mother. But if the Singas gov't were to concede to Australian pressure, all it would do is create a loophole for drug lordz to use foreign smugglers, who are now 'above the law'. Also as mat mentioned, this is 95% media hype to sell papers.

I'm of the opinion that you are resposible for your own actions - and as long as there was a proper legal process which led to his conviction, we can't really argue.

Taking exception to Singapore's use of the death penalty is fair enough, but the media isn't objectifying the argument by getting all emotive about Van Nguyen.

I'm almost embarassed about Australia's international legal posturing over convicted Australians lately - we're coming over all USA by not respecting international sovereignty!

i think the australian govt arnt doing enough...

johnny: "hey i was wondering if you could stop the execution of that van nguyen"
singas pm: "i'd prefer not to"
johnny: "ah k no probs"

when in rome...

[QUOTE=chee]i think the australian govt arnt doing enough...

johnny: "hey i was wondering if you could stop the execution of that van nguyen"
singas pm: "i'd prefer not to"
johnny: "ah k no probs"[/QUOTE]


*SIGH*

[QUOTE=red_rex]I don't think the death penalty is a deterrent in cases like this.[/QUOTE]

I think it's a great deterrant. It means only the most stupid bastards will attempt crimes with a death penalty attached, and have you seen the repeat offender rates for those crimes? They're really, really low for some reason... :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=chee]i think the australian govt arnt doing enough...

johnny: "hey i was wondering if you could stop the execution of that van nguyen"
singas pm: "i'd prefer not to"
johnny: "ah k no probs"[/QUOTE]

Er.. what business is it of ours in the first place?

If they tried telling us how to run our 'justice' system, we'd swiftly tell them to get screwed, right? How is this any different?

I agree that we you do the crime, take the punishment. However, consider this:

If you get the death penalty for carrying drugs, then why not go down in style
by caught by killing a few cops (or civillians) in the arrest/struggle etc.... They
can't kill you twice (1st for drugs, 2nd for murder). That way the cops will be
more worried about arresting a drug dealer simply because they themselves
become a target.

[QUOTE=d_generate]In my opinion he is a murderer .........Hang him...... it's a great deterrent.[/QUOTE]

Have to disagree with you there. Obviously it is not a great deterent as people such as him are still trying to get drugs through Singas on a daily basis. You really have to wonder how much of a detterent it really is.As said above, desperate people will do desparate things. That said, he knew what the punishment would be should he get caught, and provided he was given adequate legal representation and a fair trail, he and his family have to accept the laws of that country.

I think you are drawing a long bow calling him a murder though. The people that organise and fund these networks are more worthy of that tag, not the couriers. And besides, people are free to make bad decisions in their life, including taking addictive drugs (and that includes alcohol).

[QUOTE=fobz]I agree that we you do the crime, take the punishment. However, consider this:

If you get the death penalty for carrying drugs, then why not go down in style
by caught by killing a few cops (or civillians) in the arrest/struggle etc.... They
can't kill you twice (1st for drugs, 2nd for murder). That way the cops will be
more worried about arresting a drug dealer simply because they themselves
become a target.[/QUOTE]

Yeah that makes perfect sence. What world you living on??

You do the crime, you do the time, simple as that. He knew the gamble he was taking. Obviously Singapore had a Straight flush when he only had a pair of 6's.

I think execution is a good idea in some cases. Murders, peodo's, rapists, drug dealers / carriers etc. Rid the world of low lifes. Ohh and im seeing as im paying to keep this fuckers in 4 star accomodation, i much prefer the bullet option. FAR cheaper.

This bloke is a murderer but only to junkies. Sooner we get rid of both the users and dealers of hard drugs the better IMHO. Gotta feel sorry for the families who have their properties broken into and their stuff sold for ridiculous prices, all to fund some low lifes next hit.

And the next person to get caught with drugs in Bali / Singa's etc DESERVES to be shot. How any Australian can not know now, is beyond me.