Fundraising Efforts Continue to Cover Legal Fees
On Tuesday (June 7), lawyer M Ravi shared a photo of a $20,000 check he recently delivered to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), remarking, “Heavy price to pay for trying to save lives in Singapore.” However, he still needs to raise an additional $10,000 to cover expenses related to the death penalty cases he is managing.
Last month, Mr. Ravi and his colleague, Ms. Violet Netto, were ordered by the Court of Appeal to pay substantial costs associated with their defense of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam, a Malaysian national executed in April. This execution occurred despite widespread calls for clemency both locally and internationally. Nagaenthran was reported to have an IQ of 69 along with other disabilities.
On May 25, the Court mandated that the two lawyers pay $20,000 to the AGC, with Mr. Ravi responsible for 75% of the costs due to his extended representation of Nagaenthran.
The AGC stated that the lawyers’ unmeritorious applications were intended to delay the execution, resulting in unnecessary costs. Activist Kirsten Han, who is leading the crowdfunding initiative to support the lawyers, provided a detailed breakdown of the costs incurred by Mr. Ravi and Ms. Netto:
$10,000 for an application regarding the disproportionate representation of Malays on death row in Singapore (with additional indemnity costs anticipated).
$20,000 for applications filed in connection with Nagaenthran’s case.
An estimated $12,000 for applications related to three other death row prisoners, Roslan, Pausi, and Rosman, who had received execution notices but later received stays or respite orders.
Mr. Ravi reported on June 7 that he had just presented a cashier’s order for $20,000 to the AGC in compliance with the court’s cost order against him and Ms. Netto concerning their representation of Nagaenthran, who was recently executed. He also mentioned a personal cost of $10,000 ordered by the High Court related to a constitutional challenge involving 17 Malay inmates. Thus far, he has raised $3,270 and needs to gather an additional $6,730 by June 13.
He appealed to the public for assistance in raising the necessary funds. Those interested in contributing to the lawyers’ cause can find donation details in the link below.
