TO HIS EXCELLENCY S.R. NATHAN,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE.
Your Excellency,
On behalf of Foreign Prisoner Support Services [FPSS] I make a heartfelt
plea for clemency to spare the life of Australian, Nguyen Tuong Van who is
currently detained and facing the death penalty in Changi Prison, Singapore.
Nguyen Tuong Van, is a 23-year-old Australian man of Vietnamese origin. He
was arrested at Changi Airport in December 2002, whilst in transit from
Cambodia to Australia. He has been convicted of drug-trafficking and in
March 2004 he was sentenced to death in accordance with the laws of Singapore.
FPSS does not in any way condone Mr. Nguyen's crime. FPSS simply believes
that human beings should have a second chance to correct themselves. We
recognize the suffering of victims with drug addiction and the pain of
their loved ones. We recognize the serious problems governments are facing
to eradicate this malignancy from society. We acknowledge that most
countries, including Singapore, are facing a huge dilemma in their fight
against drug crimes. FPSS agrees the eradication of the supply of drugs is
an important task for governments around the world. Equally important is
the alleviation of social conditions that encourage drug-traffickers.
The Singapore government, has an excellent long-standing relationship with
Australia. It has the power to grant clemency to Nguyen Tuong Van who is an
Australian citizen. FPSS humbly and respectfully request that consideration
be given to allow Mr. Nguyen Tuong Van to serve his prison sentence in
Australia, where he can receive the necessary counselling for
rehabilitation and much needed support from his family.
Your Excellency, we thank you for your consideration concerning this very
important matter.
Yours respectfully,
Mrs. Kay Danes
Advocate
Foreign Prisoner Support Service
PO Box 5401
West End QLD Australia 4101
