Malaysia’s highest court (commonly called the Federal Court), reduced the sentences of seven death row inmates to life imprisonment, Tuesday (14/11), four months after the country abolished the mandatory death penalty.
Under the new law, which came into effect in July, judges have the option of imposing long-term prison sentences of up to 30 years. Previously, perpetrators of some offences, including murder and drug trafficking, were automatically sentenced to death.
Since the new law went into effect, Federal Courts have been evaluating previous death sentences. Lawyers for more than 860 death row inmates have appealed for their clients’ sentences to be commuted. The first batch of decisions were handed down on Tuesday.
Seven convicts, including five Malaysian citizens and two Thai citizens, had their death sentences for drug smuggling commuted to life imprisonment.
Life imprisonment in Malaysia is defined as a sentence of 30 years in prison and prisoners can be released for good behavior after serving one third of their sentence.
The seven inmates have each been imprisoned for more than 20 years. It was not immediately clear whether any of them would be released soon.
Malaysia has had a moratorium on executions since 2018, but courts continue to hand down death sentences.
Azalina Othman Said, who once served as the prime minister’s special adviser on law and human rights, described the reduction of the sentence by the Federal Court as a “historic day” for the country. “This proves that the principles of restorative justice in the criminal justice system in Malaysia are always maintained,” he said in his statement. “This success also reflects the government’s commitment to promoting and defending human rights universally.”
In making its decision, the Federal Court considered “a variety of factors” including the inmate’s age, health and number of years already served, Azalina said. (ab/ka)