EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: ASA 36/05/91

Distr: UA/SC

UA 316/91 Death Penalty23 September 1991

SINGAPORE: Wong Kim Poh

Wong Kim Poh made an appeal to the Appellate Court against his sentence of death for murder which was heard and dismissed on 12 August 1991. The decision of the Appellate court was unanimous.

Wong Kim Poh has no right to further appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy council. His only recourse is to seek pardon from the President of the Republic of Singapore under Section 8 of the Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965. A petition for clemency is underway.

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases as a violation of the right to like and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telegrams/telexes/faxes/express and airmail letters:

- expressing concern that Wong Kim Poh has been sentenced to death and may now face execution;

- stating Amnesty International's unconditional opposition to the death penalty;

- urging that the sentence be commuted and that no more death sentences be imposed.

APPEALS TO

The Honourable Goh Chok Tong Dear Prime Minister

Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

Istana Annexe

Orchard Road

Republic of Singapore

Telegrams: Prime Minister Goh, Singapore

Telexes: Care of Ministry of Foreign Affairs: RS 21242

His Excellency Wee Kim Wee Your Excellency

President

Office of the President

Istana Annexe

Orchard Road

Republic of Singapore

Telegrams: President Wee, Singapore

Telexes: Care of Ministry of Foreign Affairs: RS 21242

Professor Shanmugham Jayakumar Dear Minister

Minister of Law

Ministry of Law

Government Offices

3rd Floor, City Hall

St Andrew's Road

Singapore 0617

Republic of Singapore

Telegrams: Law Minister Shanmugham, City Hall, Singapore

Telex: RS 34363 MHA

Fax: 4670179

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Singapore in your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 4 November 1991.