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Educated Singaporeans more likely to support death penalty

More than two-thirds of Singaporeans support the death penalty, according to a groundbreaking survey

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A band calling for an end to the death penalty perform in Singapore. Photo: AFP

More than two-thirds of Singaporeans support the death penalty, according to a survey that found those with university-level education were more likely to be in favour.

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Seventy per cent of the 1,500 people aged between 18 and 74 who were surveyed supported the death penalty, with 8 per cent of those being “strongly in favour” of judicial executions.

Of the 30 per cent against, three per cent were strongly opposed.

Meanwhile, 92 per cent of those in favour said they approved in general of using it in cases of intentional murder, 88 per cent for firearms offences, and 86 per cent for drug trafficking.

Women light prayer candles during a vigil to pray for 25 year-old Melbourne man executed in Singapore on drugs charges. Photo: AFP
Women light prayer candles during a vigil to pray for 25 year-old Melbourne man executed in Singapore on drugs charges. Photo: AFP
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Commissioned by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and led by prominent local legal experts, the survey is the first of its kind to delve into public opinion surrounding a judicial practice that has consistently put the affluent Southeast Asian city-state in the crosshairs of international rights groups.

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