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(fwd) Singapore defends rest sentence 30-11-2005 6:39:03
Singapore's Prime Minister is defending his country's decision to execute Australian drug courier Van Nguyen on Friday. The drugs trafficker is scheduled to be hanged in Changi Prison, despite repeated appeals from Canberra for clemency.
Lee Hsien Loong says drug trafficking deserves the rest penalty, and it remains a key part of Singapore's criminal justice system. He says drug couriers inflict evil on thousands of people.
Van Nguyen's lawyer Lex Lasry will make a final visit to Singapore today but he is not optimistic of a last minute change to the rest sentence.
Meanwhile Singapore Airlines could face bans on refuelling and baggage handling in Australia if Van Nguyen is executed on Friday. The Transport Workers union will decide on industrial action today.
Time runs out for drugs smuggler 29-11-2005 5:15:06
The mother of Australian rest row inmate Van Nguyen has made one of her last visits to her son in a Singapore jail. The Melbourne drug smuggler will be hanged on Friday morning. Meanwhile the Australian version of the RSA is unhappy at a suggestion that a minute's silence be held on that day as a form of protest against the rest penalty.
The RSL says the moment should be reserved for commemorative services honouring those who gave their life while serving their country.
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