Malaysia's K. Datchinamurthy spared from execution in Singapore after last-minute halt.

Malaysian national K. Datchinamurthy, 39, is set to be executed in Singapore for trafficking about 45 grams of heroin, a crime that triggers the mandatory death penalty under Singapore’s strict drug laws. His execution was halted at the last minute on September 25, 2025, after prison authorities notified his lawyer, though the reason remains undisclosed. Datchinamurthy was convicted in 2011 and had previously sought legal appeals, which were rejected. His family and human rights groups, including Amnesty International Malaysia, have criticized the death penalty as disproportionate, especially given his sister’s account of his remorse and the case’s circumstances. The halt comes amid international concern over Singapore’s continued use of capital punishment, with 40 people still on death row and nine executions carried out in 2024.