Shanmugam defends Singapore's death penalty amid Biden's commutations

The debate over the death penalty has resurfaced, particularly in light of President Joe Biden's recent decision to commute the sentences of 37 federal inmates, which has drawn criticism for perceived inconsistencies. Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam emphasized that public interest must take precedence over personal beliefs regarding capital punishment, arguing that abolishing it would likely lead to increased drug trafficking and related crimes. He highlighted the contrast between Biden's pardons and the cases of other convicted murderers whose death sentences were not commuted, questioning the rationale behind such decisions. Shanmugam's comments reflect a broader concern about the societal implications of changing capital punishment policies, advocating for a pragmatic approach to public safety. He reiterated that personal beliefs should not override the necessity of protecting the community as a whole. The discourse continues as different jurisdictions grapple with the effectiveness and morality of the death penalty.