蜜芽传媒

Singapore has dismissed a last-ditch appeal to stop the execution of a mentally disabled Malaysian man convicted of drug smuggling.

Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam was convicted of trafficking 42.72 grams of heroin in April 2009 upon entering Singapore from Malaysia. Singapore, which has some of the world鈥檚 toughest drugs laws, sentenced him to the death penalty.

The case has provoked international condemnation. But today a judge refused to consider a psychiatric assessment.

One of those opposing the death penalty for Nagaenthran Dharmalingam is the British businessman Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group.

Newsday's Bola Mosuro spoke to Richard Branson and Celia Ouellette of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, about the case.

Richard Branson says "We see injustices in certain parts of the world, that can be fixed, and we shouldn't be afraid of speaking out".

(Photo Credit: Getty Images / Photographer: Arif Kartono)