Malaysia: «Doctor Ganja» death sentence upheld on appeal»

Malaysia, although we are just beginning a process of reflection on how drugs and their users should be treated in society, as well as their medical uses, is currently taking a hard line against those caught breaking the law.

This is the case with Muhammad Lukman Bin Mohamad, who was sentenced to death on August 30, 2018, for distributing cannabis oil free of charge to sick people who needed it. Lukman had been authorized to appeal his conviction, during a review of his trial that took place on November 27.

The Putrajaya Court of Appeals, however, upheld the death sentence handed down to Muhammad Lukman Mohamad, who was found guilty of violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952.

The three-judge panel, presided over by Judge Yaacob Md Sam, upheld the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to find Muhammad Lukman guilty on all three counts against him: possession, processing, and distribution of cannabis.

The court nevertheless reduced the initial sentence—which had been imposed for the possession and use of 279 grams of cannabis—from 10 years’ imprisonment and 10 lashes to 7 years’ imprisonment and 10 lashes. The death sentences for the other two charges were upheld.

His lawyer has already announced that he will appeal this decision to the Federal Court.

«Today, the court also granted the defense permission to appeal to the Federal Court. We will appeal,» he said.

In October 2018, Malaysia introduced a bill to end the death penalty, particularly for cannabis-related crimes. The government had announced in March 2019 to have decided to keep it.