A candle for Van Nguyen

Just before daybreak tomorrow morning Friday 2 December, 25 year old Van Nguyen, an Australian citizen convicted of drug trafficking (heroin) will be hung in Singapore.
I do not in any way condone the trafficking of drugs such as heroin.

I cannot see the need or benefit for capital punishment in any part of the world today. I suggest that people should look to any government to collectively reflect and lead us to find what is good in all of us, not act in ways that reflect the worst. The death penalty, particularly carried out by hanging is to me a terrible and barbaric thing.

Today it was reported that the Singapore authorities took what is apparently an unusual step and allowed the condemned man physical contact. It had been requested that he be allowed to hug his mother one last time. The authorities said no, his mother may only hold his hand.

In Australia people are lighting candles for him and his family.

In Singapore apparently this event is not seen as unusual and has not attracted much attention. Given that I assume such punishment is meant to act as a deterrent, I wonder why his lawyers aren't allowed to witness it, and comment on it appears to be discouraged.