Masoud Rahimi’s amnesty application rejected, postponement of execution rejected

Masoud Rahimi, a 34-year-old Singaporean who was sentenced to death, faced two devastating blows on Thursday, November 28, 2024; The pardon request was rejected by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and a last-minute bid to postpone the execution was rejected. by the Court of Appeals.

The family was informed about the dismissal during a phone call from prison officials at 21:00 on Thursday night. Activist Kokila Annamalai shared details of the meeting on Facebook, describing how the family confirmed the news that Masoud’s execution was imminent.

The family were told they were told: “He’s been laid off, so come to the VC (visitor centre) tomorrow at 9am.”

When they asked for clarification, prison officials confirmed that the execution would proceed as planned.

It was reported that the stay of execution decision, which was planned to be heard at 18:00, was canceled without any explanation. Masoud was not given the opportunity to address the court or address the statements of the Attorney General’s Office, disappointing and discouraging his family and supporters.

Mercy denied and final demands denied

Earlier that day, President Tharman had rejected Masoud’s request for pardon. This decision, combined with the rejection of the stay of execution, leaves the family with no other legal recourse.

The family also expressed disappointment that their repeated requests for a video call between Masoud and his father, who lives abroad and could not get to Singapore in time, were rejected.

Despite public appeals and numerous letters to the Singapore Prison Service, this latest act of compassion was rejected.

“What can we do next?”

Masoud’s family and supporters now have limited options. Activists like Kokila Annamalai have called for public reflection on systemic problems with the death penalty.

“At this point, we can hold Mesut in our hearts with all the love, prayers, strength and light we can muster for him,” she wrote.

The execution is scheduled to begin on the morning of November 29, 2024, marking the end of Masoud’s 14-year fight for the death penalty.

The denial of mercy and stay of execution has reignited calls for greater transparency, justice and compassion in Singapore’s execution of the death penalty.