democrats call for sanctions against singapore

The Australian Democrats are calling on the Federal Government to impose economic sanctions against Singapore if Van Nguyen is executed for drug trafficking.

The 25-year-old Melbourne man is to be hanged on December 2.

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja says the Federal Government should be focussing on companies like Singapore Power, that are considering recruiting local investors.

"The Democrats are absolutely devastated about the death penalty for Van Nguyen," she said.

"We are calling now for the Government at this late hour to consider economic sanctions against Singapore as a formal diplomatic protest."

Labor's foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd also wants the Government to make a formal diplomatic protest with the Singapore Government.

"To explain the fact that this country thinks that Singapore's handling of this has simply been appalling," he said.

Lawyers hold out hope

Meanwhile, the head of the Australian legal team representing Nguyen plans to hold talks with the Federal Government this week.

Lex Lasry QC says he will ask for the Federal Government's help to commence proceedings in the United Nation's International Court of Justice to stop his execution.

"It's a court for countries, not individuals, and as I understand Singapore has to consent to the jurisdiction," he said.

In other developments:
The Federal Opposition has called on the Government to undergo a formal diplomatic process to help save Melbourne man Van Nguyen, who is due to be executed in Singapore on December 2. (Full Story)