Within just a few days, the fate of Datchinamurthy David Martin, a Malaysian citizen imprisoned since 2011 in Changi Prison, Singapore, has been sealed. Arrested for drug trafficking, he was found in possession of about 45 grams of heroin—well above the 15-gram threshold that, under Singapore’s strict laws, carries a mandatory death sentence. After his conviction, he obtained several postponements and reprieves thanks to legal challenges and international campaigns, but now his execution appears imminent.

In July 2024, Datchinamurthy wrote a moving letter to Pope Francis, which we publish in full, and which remains a testimony of hope and faith. Yet no one could have imagined such a swift and final decision on his life or death.

The Community of Sant’Egidio appeals to the Government of Singapore to suspend the imminent execution, scheduled—according to available information—for September 25, 2025. This appeal is addressed to everyone, and expresses closeness and solidarity with his sister Rani and his mother, who are now in Singapore for their last visit in prison.

We recall Datchinamurthy’s long struggle: more than twenty years spent between prison and waiting, the many appeals that kept him alive until today, and his letter to the Pope—an enduring sign of the dignity and strength of a man who asked only to live.

 

July 9th 2024

To His Holiness, Pope Francis,

I am David Martin Datchinamurthy, a death row inmate at Changi Prison in Singapore. I am writing to you with a heart full of hope and a spirit seeking solace in faith. My journey to this point has been marked by deep regret, profound transformation, and an unwavering belief in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. Your Holiness, I appeal to you with humility and earnest hope, believing in the compassion that you embody as the shepherd of the Catholic Church.

On January 18, 2011, I was arrested for carrying 44 grams of methamphetamine heroin. This job was offered to me by a friend as a means to earn extra money. At the time, I was working as a technician in Singapore, and I was the sole breadwinner for my family, which includes my mother and three sisters. The financial burden was overwhelming, and in my desperation to support my loved ones, I made a grave mistake by accepting this job. My intention was never to harm anyone but to provide for my family during a difficult time. The remorse I feel for my actions is profound, and I seek forgiveness daily through prayer and reflection.

The Singapore government claims that the drugs brought into the country by Malaysian couriers can feed hundreds of drug addicts in a week. This highlights the immense damage and suffering these substances can cause. As a result, the government has justified the imposition of the death sentence on drug couriers, arguing that they bring harm to the people of Singapore. In essence, this policy is akin to “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” However, many Malaysian couriers, including myself, lack knowledge about drugs and are not heroin consumers. We are often unaware of the extent of the damage these drugs can cause. Our intention is not to harm the people of Singapore but merely to deliver a package in exchange for money to alleviate our own hardships.

While it is undeniable that our actions were wrong and deserving of punishment, the severity of the death penalty seems excessively harsh. A sentence of 20 years or life imprisonment would be more just and humane. The death penalty, in this case, is an overkill, punishing not only the crime but also the person who has since repented and transformed. It is my belief that even those who have sinned gravely can find redemption and contribute positively to society if given the chance.

During my 13 years in prison, I have found solace and strength in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I have placed my trust and faith in Him and have been baptized. This spiritual journey has brought about a profound change in my heart and mind. I have immersed myself in the Bible, embracing its teachings and striving to live according to its principles. My intention is to serve Jesus and the people, should I be granted the mercy of a pardon. Each day, I pray and meditate on the scriptures, finding guidance and comfort in the words of our Lord.

If I am spared, I am committed to dedicating my life to serving those who are suffering, following the example set by Jesus. I want to share the enlightenment and peace I have found through my faith, to be a beacon of hope and redemption for others who may be on a similar path of despair and poor choices. I want to be a living testimony to the transformative power of faith and the boundless mercy of God. My desire is to help others see that no matter how far they may have strayed, there is always a path back to righteousness through Jesus.

Your Holiness, the teachings of Jesus emphasize forgiveness, compassion, and redemption. In Matthew 5:7, Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” In John 8:7, when addressing the woman caught in adultery, He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” These teachings have deeply resonated with me, guiding my transformation and reinforcing my belief in the power of forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning. The mercy that Jesus showed to those who were lost and suffering is the mercy I seek in my own life, and it is this mercy that gives me hope.

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Although I have repented and embraced the path of Jesus, the death sentence still hangs over me. The prison is not planning to execute a criminal but a repentant soul who has embraced the teachings of Christ. This unbearable situation is taking a heavy toll on my family, who suffer deeply knowing that their son and brother, who has found redemption, may not have the chance to live out his newfound faith and serve others.

The thought of causing them more pain is a burden I carry daily, and I pray for their peace and comfort.

I humbly beseech Your Holiness to intercede on my behalf. I ask for your prayers and any assistance you may offer to help spare my life so that I may continue to serve God and help others. I believe that my life, if spared, can be a powerful testament to the mercy and love that Jesus teaches us. I want to use my experiences and my faith journey to guide others away from the mistakes I have made and towards a life of purpose and service. Your support and prayers would be a beacon of hope not only for me but also for my family and all those who believe in the power of redemption.

Should it be that, even after your intercession, Jesus deems that my time has come, I will accept it as a divine call from God to return to His embrace.

Your Holiness, I place my faith in God and in your compassionate understanding of my plight. May God bless you and guide you in all your endeavors. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and for considering my plea. Your kindness and compassion are a source of strength for many around the world, and I pray that I might be among those who are blessed by your intercession.

Sincerely and with deep respect,

David Martin Datchinamurthy