The capital sentence of death imposed on Ahmed Salim (“Ahmed”) was carried out on 28 February 2024.
Ahmed, a 35-year-old Bangladeshi national, was charged with and convicted of the murder of his ex-fiancée in Singapore, and was sentenced to capital punishment on 14 December 2020.
Ahmed was accorded full due process under the law, and had access to legal counsel throughout the process. He appealed against his conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal on 19 January 2022. Ahmed’s petition to the President for clemency was unsuccessful.
Capital punishment is used only for the most serious crimes in Singapore that cause grave harm to the victim, or to society. Capital punishment is but one part of Singapore’s criminal justice system, which has kept Singapore and Singaporeans safe and secure.
Background
A 29-year-old Bangladeshi national was arrested five years ago in connection with the death of a 34-year-old Indonesian woman at the Golden Dragon hotel in Geylang Lorong 18. The woman was found dead in her hotel room on a Sunday night, and the police were alerted to the incident at around 10:45pm. Upon arrival, the paramedics pronounced her dead.
The woman was found on the bed with injuries to her neck and hands. The suspect was arrested within 14 hours of the report and was charged with murder the following day.
About the death penalty
The implementation of capital punishment in Singapore is carried out with the utmost seriousness and solemnity, reflecting the gravity of the crimes for which it is imposed. The decision to impose the death penalty is not taken lightly, and is only used in cases where the offenses are premeditated, deliberate, and cause severe harm to the victim or to society.
In Singapore, the use of the death penalty has been effective in deterring serious crimes and maintaining law and order. However, the government also recognizes the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach to crime prevention, which includes measures such as rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
The case of Ahmed Salim is a tragic reminder of the consequences of violent and criminal behavior. Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones, who have suffered an immeasurable loss. The execution of the sentence serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the safety and well-being of all members of society.
It is also a call to action for all of us to reflect on the impact of our actions and to make positive choices that contribute to a peaceful and harmonious society. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Singaporeans and will continue to take a firm stance against serious crimes, including the use of capital punishment when appropriate.