Ex hangman Darshan Singh (left)
I wasn't aware of it at first,but now,Singapore has sacked its long-serving hangman on the eve of the execution of Australian drug courier Van Tuong Nguyen.
A new executioner is expected to be flown into Singapore this week – possibly from Malaysia – to carry out Nguyen's death sentence as scheduled on Friday, despite pleas for mercy from Australia.The 25-year-old from Melbourne will become the first prisoner in Singapore in 46 years not to be sent to his death by Darshan Singh. The 74-year-old grandfather was dumped after his identity and picture was revealed by The Australian newspaper.Mr Singh said he was in big trouble and was out of a job."It has been very, very difficult for me," he told The Sunday Telegraph. "I am not the hangman any more."Mr Singh said he would miss the $400 fee for each execution but was relieved he would not be placing the noose around Nguyen's neck. "In a way, I am happy," he said.The hangman's sacking comes as a series of heartbreaking letters from the condemned drug courier reveal his deep regret for his crime and an understanding that he must pay with his life."I truly believe God put me here for a reason," he wrote from death row, after Singapore rejected his clemency bid."And now that his plans for me have almost been achieved, he is preparing for me little baby angels to play with when I return."He also explains his deep sorrow for those whose lives have been ruined by drugs."I found myself in deep sorrow for the true victims – the families of those who suffer as a result of losing a loved one to drugs," he wrote. "This has put many things into perspective for me."He believes his weaknesses have cost him his life and said he blames only himself: "I accept responsibility for my actions."What hurts him, he said, was the pain of losing his mother.Australia's Catholic bishops yesterday wrote to Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, urging him to reconsider clemency for the condemned man.Nguyen was caugh