Browsing Category

Crime

557 posts

Police probe small explosion caused by remote-controlled PVC pipe bomb in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian police are investigating a small explosion caused by a remote-controlled explosive device made from modified PVC pipes outside a condominium in Kuala Lumpur. The incident occurred on May 2nd, with no casualties reported. Authorities have found three fingerprint impressions and are examining CCTV footage of two male suspects.

Conflict of interest in Tangaraju’s case raises questions about Singapore’s legal system

Singapore executed Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, on Wednesday despite international appeals to halt the execution and review its use of capital punishment. Concerns were raised about the fairness of Tangaraju’s trial after human rights lawyer Mr M Ravi revealed a potential conflict of interest. In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, Mr Ravi expressed horror at discovering that Justice Steven Chong, who presided over Tangaraju’s appeal on Tuesday, was also the Attorney General (AG) when Tangaraju was charged on 19th May 2014. Justice Chong assumed the position of AG between 25 June 2012 to 24 June 2014. This apparent conflict of interest or appearance of biasness raises serious concerns about the fairness of the trial, as well as questions about the correct legal procedure. Mr Ravi stated in his Facebook post, “This is a travesty of justice. This is precisely the reason why a lawyer needs to be present at all stages. It is tragic that not only Tangaraju had no counsel but also did not even have a hearing where Steven J had dismissed the case summarily on Tuesday. We need answers.” The lack of legal counsel, interpreter, and circumstantial evidence against Tangaraju added to the troubling aspects of the case. Despite pleas for clemency, the execution proceeded, marking the 12th since last year.

Ex-headmaster loses death sentence appeal over Thai shooting

Former headmaster, Prasittichai Khaokaew, has had his final appeal rejected by Thailand’s Supreme Court for the murder of three people during an armed robbery in 2020. The victims included a two-year-old boy, a security guard and a sales assistant. Prasittichai was sentenced to death for his “cruel and inhuman” actions, with the court confirming the death sentence imposed by lower courts.

Thai woman accused of killing nine people with cyanide

Thai police have arrested the wife of a senior officer on suspicion of murdering nine people by poisoning them with cyanide, officials said Wednesday. Investigators believe money was the motive in the killings.

Singapore man hanged over 1 kg of cannabis: authorities

Singapore has hanged Tangaraju Suppiah, a prisoner convicted of conspiracy to smuggle one kilogram of cannabis, despite calls from the United Nations and British tycoon Richard Branson to abolish capital punishment. The execution took place despite pleas for clemency from Tangaraju’s family, who are also pushing for a retrial. Tangaraju was convicted in 2017 of “abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic” cannabis and was sentenced to death in 2018. Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry responded to Branson’s plea stating that Tangaraju’s guilt had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

China charges Taiwanese man with ‘secession’

Taiwanese man Yang Chih-yuan, who was held by Chinese authorities for eight months, has been charged with “secession”, a move condemned by Taipei as a violation of rights aimed at creating fear. Yang is vice-chair of a minor political party that advocates Taiwan’s independence. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election and has arrested several Taiwanese people, including Yang. Taiwan’s government has urged China to release Yang and to “cautiously evaluate the risk” of going to China.

South Korea indicts Terra co-founder Shin for fraud

South Korean prosecutors have indicted Terraform Labs’ co-founder Daniel Shin and seven others over multiple charges including fraud for their role in the company’s collapse last year, which resulted in US$40 billion of investors’ money being wiped out. Two other people were also indicted for their alleged involvement. Prosecutors have frozen US$184 million from the suspects and are seeking the extradition of Shin’s business partner Do Kwon, who was arrested in Montenegro. The collapse of Terraform Labs and its cryptocurrencies Luna and Terra has been called a Ponzi scheme by some experts.

Death-row inmate Tangaraju Suppiah’s last-minute appeal denied by Singapore court

Justice Steven Chong denied death row inmate Tangaraju Suppiah’s last-minute application, rejecting arguments over drug quantity knowledge. Tangaraju, convicted for abetting cannabis trafficking, is scheduled for execution tomorrow. Concerns include lack of legal counsel and an interpreter during interrogation and trial.

14-year-old arrested for stealing $20,000 Worth of gold chains from jewelry store, allegedly instructed by another 17-year-old youth

Singaporean authorities have arrested two boys, aged 14 and 17, for their involvement in a theft of two gold chains worth over $20,000 from a jewelry store in Chinatown. The 14-year-old posed as a customer and stole the chains when the staff turned their backs, but was apprehended by the staff after a chase. He explained that he had stolen the chains because he owed money. The police arrested him and later identified a 17-year-old who allegedly instructed him on how to carry out the theft. The investigation is still ongoing.

Singaporean activist and human rights lawyer raise concerns over impending execution amid troubling case detail

Singaporean activist Kokila Annamalai took to Facebook to express her concerns about the scheduled execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, who was convicted for abetting an attempt to traffic cannabis into Singapore. Annamalai argued that Suppiah was sentenced to the mandatory death penalty despite never handling the drugs he was convicted of trafficking. She also highlighted that Suppiah was denied a Tamil interpreter and legal representation during his police interrogation. Human rights lawyer M Ravi, who represented Suppiah in the past, called for reform in the legal system, emphasizing the vulnerability of the poor and marginalized in death penalty cases.