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Van Nguyen - A Priest's Reflections

With time running out it seems most unlikely that Van Nguyen will be saved from the gallows in Singapore early tomorrow morning.

Singapore's High Commisioner's letter in newspapers yesterday and his interview on ABC Radio's AM Program this morning didn't throw up any valid, let alone reasonable or reasoned arguments, for going ahead with the barbaric death penalty. One "argument" the HC put forward was that Singapore wanted to "save" and protect many from getting into drugs. If that argument had any validity Singapore would have readily agreed to Van Nguyen being available to give evidence against those up the chain [bear in mind Van Nguyen was a mere "mule"] in selling and distributing drugs.

Father Peter Norden [Prison Chaplain and successor to Father Brosnan - the priest who was Prison Chaplain at the time of Ronald Ryan being hanged] was interviewed on ABC Radio's Breakfast program this morning. It is a reflective interview - and one which should be listened to, now, as the fateful hour for Van Nguyen approaches.

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