While the removal of the death penalty for two relatively obscure crimes was welcomed by international rights groups, many activists argue the government’s action is insufficient.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, President Muizzu said his administration intends to follow the lead of several other nations that impose the death penalty for drug-related crimes.
In more positive developments and despite a global rise in executions, a growing number of countries are abolishing the practice – spurred by the Global South.
Timely community action and strengthened health services will determine how many more young lives are placed at risk before cooler weather arrives, health workers say.