State woman on death row at Malaysia Manipur activists to seek pardon
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2016:
The Malaysian High Court's verdict of death penalty for a Manipuri woman held for trafficking drugs has left many in the State shocked.
The State Women's Commission is looking ways of obtaining clemency for Sangeeta Sharma Brahmacharimayum, 41, owner of a beauty parlour in New Delhi who was found guilty of trafficking over 1.6 kg of drugs (methamphetamine) at Penang International Airport on October 7, 2013 .
The Court charged her under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952, that carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
"We are shocked to hear this dreadful news.
We are trying to find out how we can save her from death," chairperson of Manipur State Women's Commission K Sobita Devi told TOI.
"So far, we haven't got any official information on the matter.
We chanced upon it through media reports.
After going through the articles, we sent people to find her house in Imphal valley and finally located it," she added.
"Tomorrow or the day after, we will visit her residence and take stock of the situation.
After doing a verification study, we will consult legal experts and find ways to save her life," she said.
The Imphal-based Women Action for Development (WAD) also expressed its anguish.
"The news has stunned us.
We respect the law of that country but we do not support capital punishment.
Many countries and prominent rights bodies are against death penalty," said WAD secretary Sobita Mangsatabam.
"We will discuss the matter and appeal for clemency for Sangeeta," said Mangsatabam, who is also the convener of the women's committee of United NGO Mission Manipur.
TOI visited Sangeeta's residence in Imphal but none of her family members were present.
The State Government is yet to react on the matter though some MLAs and officials expressed their sadness at the development.