Singapore Halts Execution of Malaysian Death Row Inmate Amid Legal Challenges

Singapore initially scheduled the execution of Malaysian national K. Datchinamurthy for September 25, 2025, at Changi Prison for trafficking about 45 grams of heroin. The execution was unexpectedly halted late the previous night after a clemency petition was submitted, raising hopes for a reprieve. However, hours later, authorities reversed the decision and proceeded with the execution in the afternoon, informing the family and legal team to collect his body, a move criticized as cruel and arbitrary by Datchinamurthy's lawyer, N. Surendran. Datchinamurthy had previously received a stay of execution in 2022 due to pending legal challenges, but his appeals were ultimately dismissed. The case has drawn attention from human rights groups and Malaysian officials, who have urged intervention to stop executions of four Malaysians on Singapore's death row, including Datchinamurthy. The sudden reversal and execution have been described as a new low for Singapore's harsh death penalty regime and an example of state barbarism.