There have been concerns raised regarding the investigation into Mr Gandhi’s assassination and the manner in which the trial of the accused was conducted. In light of this and the irrevocable nature of the death penalty, the Global Tamil Forum calls on the Indian President to reconsider her decision to reject the mercy plea of Mr Perarivalan, Mr Murugan and Mr Santhan.

The right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment are recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. The death penalty violates these fundamental tenets of human rights law.