Joint Local Statement following the execution of Lingkesvaran Rajendaren in Singapore

The EU Delegation and the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom deplore the execution of Mr Lingkesvaran Rajendaren, a Malaysian citizen, on 11 February 2026.

We note that this is the fourth execution in Singapore in 2026 and repeat our strong opposition to the use of capital punishment in all cases and in all circumstances. 

The death penalty is incompatible with the inalienable right to life and the absolute prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Moreover, imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with international law, as these offences do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes”.

The available evidence does not support the use of capital punishment as a deterrent to crime. Furthermore, rehabilitation as an objective of modern criminal law is rendered impossible by the application of capital punishment.

We advocate for Singapore to adopt a moratorium on all executions as a first step towards its full abolition, in line with the regional and worldwide trend.

Joint Local Statement following the execution of Lingkesvaran Rajendaren on 11 February 2026