Hanging was a form of punishment during British colonial times, and Singapore kept it on the books once it became independent in 1965. During the 1970s, as part of a global "War on Drugs," the city-state controversially made drug trafficking a capital offense. In early August, it carried out three hangings in the space of the week. More than a dozen people have been killed since the country resumed hangings in March 2022 after observing a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are thought to be 50 people currently on death row in Singapore, only three of whom were convicted of murder. 

Today's guest is Kirsten Han, an independent journalist and one of Singapore’s most famous campaigners for the abolition of capital punishment. We discuss its use in colonial times, the focus on drugs after independence, what Singaporeans think about state executions, and whether the tide of history in Asia is turning against the death penalty.

"Asian Centuries" is a podcast that journeys through the history of Asia, from the most famous events and fateful decisions to lesser-known conflicts, coups and catastrophes.

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