The Supreme Court (SC) of Malaysia on Tuesday upheld the verdict of capital punishment handed down by a local High Court to Hari Bahadur Ghale of Barsunchet VDC-1 of Nuwakot district.

Jalan Duta High Court in Kuala Lumpur had sentenced Ghale to death on November 26, 2009.

Amal Kiran Dhakal, labor attaché at the Nepali Embassy in Kuala Lumpur confirmed the verdict of the court.

“The Malaysian SC sentenced Ghale, who was arrested from a hotel in possession of heroin while returning to Nepal from Malaysia, to death,” Dhakal told Republica over phone.

According to Dhakal, Ghale has been languishing in the country´s Kajang Central Prision in Kajang- Sungai Chua of Selangor, after he was arrested on May 30, 2003. He was arrested along with Sajan Gurung, who later died at Kajang Hospital in Malaysia on January 10, 2010 after suffering from illness.

Police had found a bag containing 875 grams of heroin with him. However, Ghale had pleaded not guilty stating that the bag belonged to one Ganesh Tamang.

Kumud Khanal, first-vice president of Nepal Association Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) said Ghale can request the Malaysin king for clemency.

“Ghale may get clemency from Malaysian king if our government initiates diplomatic efforts to save his life,” said Khanal.

Published on: 26 September 2012 | Republica