Singapore Lawyer Ravi Madasamy, Crusader Against Death Penalty, Dies at 56

Noted Indian-origin lawyer Ravi Madasamy, who dedicated his career to fighting for human rights and abolishing the death penalty in Singapore, has passed away at the age of 56. The Singapore Civil Defence Force received a call to attend to an urgent case at an apartment in the early hours of December 24, where Ravi was found unconscious after reportedly taking drugs. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Ravi, a graduate of the National University of Singapore and the UK, had been a vocal advocate for various causes, including the decriminalization of homosexuality. He founded his own law firm, M Ravi Law, in 2019. His friend, who made the emergency call, has been arrested by the Central Narcotics Bureau for a suspected drug-related offence. Ravi's colleagues and peers have praised his unwavering commitment to his causes. 'He stood up for what he believed in and fought hard in court,' said Eugene Thuraisingam, a fellow lawyer and former counsel for Ravi. The police have ruled out foul play, but the cause of death will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination. In his 25-year career, Ravi had been involved in several high-profile cases, representing death row inmates and pushing for the abolition of the death penalty. His legacy as a human rights advocate will be remembered by his peers and the legal community in Singapore.