Is death the answer? Do two wrongs make a right? The sad part is that there are people smuuggling for a living able to remain undetected and it is the inexperienced - trying to right a wrong (although I don't condone drug trafficing) that end up in Van's situation. He should be respected for his love and unselfish stupidity in offering everything he could to help a loved one. When someone close is suffering or in trouble we have all experienced the feeling of knowing we are capablee of anything to help. Morals and ethics are just words when backed up against a wall- Van made a choice, we know it was wrong as does he I'm sure but consider how you would react if your broter - your twin was in trouble - how far could you go to help?
Death ends all feeling the moment it becomes. No more bills to pay, no more tears to cry. Peace as much as we know it. Those that feel the pain are the ones left behind who have bills to pay, tears to cry and pains in their stomaches which replace the people they lose. There is much more to be learnt by keeping Nguyen Tuong Van alive, by all, then there is by simply stopping him breathing.
Although I will be signing the petition, I have real concerns about the way people still smuggle drugs in and out of Asian countries, knowing full well what lies ahead of them, should they get caught, which invariably happens all the time. His twin brother should have had more forethought than to allow his brother to do such a risky thing. I'm baffled as to why these "mules" continue to risk their lives when they know the consequences. Maybe he thought that because he is Asian, himself, that he somehow would escape the usual punishment. His prospective punishment has proven quite the opposite. It is especially harder to imagine the authorities to grant special consideration for him, knowing just how many young Australians are smuggling drugs, at the moment. It just isn’t making his plight any easier.
I cannot believe that a country would put a person on death row for drug smuggling, especially when it is a first offence. It's not like he's a repeat offender like George Jung (from movie "Blow" a biography of a famous drug smuggler). Yet, there are countries that will let off lightly terrorists before drug smugglers! This is unacceptable and something should be done about it. I say we stop trade with these sorts of countries IMMEDIATELY! My thoughts and prayers are with Van and his family.
I wouldn't think the actions that Van took is deemed as anything but wise, however the repercussions for the result of smuggling heroin is considered harsh - to put it lightly. This is just a gentle reminder for everyone to 'think before doing anything' as drastic as this. However, I think Van had justifiable intentions for doing what he did, however still it's not considered acceptable. Van should be punished but facing death sentence is totally out of the question. Sure, punish the man and lock him up in bars but please do not take his life away. If sentencing Shapelle Corby to what is considered a 'light' imprisonment of 20 years for her cannibis smuggling, why can't similar yet certain measures be considered with the case against Van?
Putting a man to death for a mistake is a step backwards towards the stone-age. Especially in this case. Nobody is able to think straight in times of strife. We pride ourselves on our technical, intellectual and creative minds. Yet, ironically, we fail to grasp the simple idea that humans have the precious ability to learn. Life experience is broader than just exploration and experimentation. We grow more through errors in judgement. Give Van the chance to put his newfound knowledge into practice.
The death penalty totally contradicts why we as citizens of society put laws into place. Laws are designed not only to protect people, but also to provide offenders with an opportunity for rehabilitation. Van has already learnt from his mistakes and paid the price, of that I am sure. If only the prosecutors realised he has an idetical twin brother...and that he'll be forced to live with the burden. They'd only be executing half the person.
In life we all make mistakes. some are big ,others not so?
but we all make 'em.
to take a life is a
mistake. Van made a
mistake, punishment
for a mistake is a chance to learn from it?
He should not have smuggled, but is death really the solution? In comparison to all these people who are trying to kill innocent britons with bombs on the public transport system, his crime seems a little bit less significant... I in no way at all condone drug peddling or smuggling, however I believe the punishment should fit the crime...
the australian government should be ashamed of their racist, outdated attitudes. i am an aussie in uk and i will raise awareness of the negligence practiced here, of one of our own.
It is unfortunate that this fella got caught as i believe there are more traffickers that probably got away scot free in Singapore.from experience i do not see much chance fro this guy but at least we tried.
sentencing this young man to death will not solve nor teach anyone anything. Sure, punish him via a jail sentence but do not take away his life for one foolish mistake. We all make mistakes, he should not have to pay with his life for helping his family
Punishments SHOULD suit the crime. The question thats been on my mind is this: how do drugs warrant death? The death penalty is an out of date form of punishment which countries should be seeking to outlaw, not promote, it does NOT deter crime. Please give this man a more appropriate punishment, trying him in Australia would also give him a much fairer hearing and sentence.
the death penalty, especially for drug convictions, is inhumane, unfair and appalling; no more so then for a young boy of 23 who obviously made a huge terrible mistake. Ten years in prison, in a clean cell with running water and decent food and access to other people and exercise would be more in line with the crime. I urge you to please reconsider this horrible sentence.
If every politician would be executed for just one big mistake in their life, the world had no politicians left. Why not give everyone else a new chance too?
give the kid a break i dont agree with drug smugling in anyway shape or form but we all have our reasons and make mistakes i think the guy has learned his. butthe biggest mistake her would be to let this guy hang comute his sentence to life thats punishment enough
Come on!!! You guys let sex offenders walk the dang streets but yet you hang someone who sells drugs to HELP his brother??? Please!!! LET HIM LIVE!!! MURDER IS NOT THE ANSWER!!!
Please let this poor lad live...He made a mistake like we all do from time to time; only nguyen's has cost him his life. murdering this young man in cold blood is not justice its a crime against humanity. The death penalty should be abolished and replaced with life in prison...im praying for u mate!
Death is a final solution which will not end drug smuggling or any other type of crime including murder, terrortism etc. It is a barbarian form of punishment that over the centuries has only perpetuated more crime and deaths.Research has shown that rehabilitation is a much better form of punishment.
The Nguyen Tuong Van family is also being punished with the uncertainity of Nguyen's circumstances. It would be much better for everyone involved if Nguyen was given a sentence that could be served closed to his family in Australia where he would have his mother for support in his rehabilitation.
I would ask that the Singapore and Australian governments please work towards saving this young man's life and returning him to Australia
My thoughts and prayers are for all involved in this situation.
everyone deserves a second chance.Death is so final.A positive approach would be to rehabilitate this young man to lead a fruitful life. Hanging him serves no purpose and is a defeatist solution to the problem. Mercy can prove to have a positive affect to this young man. Please give him the chance .
Please allow this man to have his sentenced changed to a lessor one for the sake of his right to life, and to rehabilitate himself. I am sorry for his poor mother.
It seems this man was young and foolish. In desperation over his brother's debt, he made some very poor decisions. I really hope that he gets a chance to make good. While I understand it is important for him to serve a sentence for this crime, the death penalty is brutal, unjust and unacceptable. It is particulary upsetting to see a young human being who's recognised his mistakes, and is genuinly remorseful, not have a chance to correct his ways and live out the many years ahead of him in. The death penalty has a devestaing effect on the family and friends of those sentanced and this is a terrible form of violence. It can bring a lifetime of sadness and despair to people who are innocent law abiding individuals.
Please review give this young man another chance to live out his sentance and to rebuild his life.
Please do not let this young man be punished for his brother's mistakes. While he acted foolishly, it seems sure he did so with the best possible motives and he could not have imagined the consequences.
Please please reprieve this man, we all make silly msitakes in life, give this man the chance of life. My heart goes to his Mother and family, always have hope I now how you feel.
Iris Baker
www.jucticefornickbaker.o rg
I am the Mother of a 28 year old Canadian who is currently serving a 16 year sentence in Vietnam for drug offences. The good news is that he was originally slated for public execution by firing squad. Now this ridiculous lengthly sentence seems a lot better than death sentence!
I DO know the absolute hell & pain & anguish that Van & his horrified family are experienceing!! Especially his twin brother!
My prayers,thoughts & tears will be with the Nguyen Family!
Keep strong & keep fighting with every government offical you can contact to appeal this barbaric death sentence imposed!! Encourage everyone you know to sign this petition & write as many letters of support to have Van granted Amnesty/Clemency!
Only several voices & signatures can assist Van's plight!!
He has served far too much time already in one of the most diplorable,cruelest prisons in the world!!
He will now have to live with the life sentence of his own horrific memories of his incareceration!!
** Please WRITE & DEMAND CLEMNCY for Van!!
God Bless!
robindee7@aol.com
