THE Attorney-General of Australia denounced as barbaric the hanging in Singapore late last night of a young drug smuggler from Melbourne, despite repeated high-level pleas for clemency.

According to a terse statement issued by the Singaporean authorities, Van Tuong Nguyen, 25, an Australian of Vietnamese origin, was led out and hanged at the Changi prison complex at 7am local time.

John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister, said that the execution would damage relations between the two countries, but he added that no diplomatic measures would be taken against Singapore.

As the hour of execution approached, several hundred people held a candlelit vigil at the Australian Parliament, in Canberra, and church bells rang out in Melbourne. “It’s a most unfortunate, barbaric act that is occurring,” Philip Ruddock, the Attorney-General, said.

The Australian Government had sought a reprieve for Nguyen, who was caught at Singapore airport with 400g (14oz) of heroin, which he was carrying between Cambodia and Australia.

Nguyen, who had never been in trouble before, gave information to Australian police that enabled them to arrest another drug smuggler. He said that he was carrying the drugs to help to pay his twin’s debts.

But the death penalty is mandatory in Singapore for possession of more than 15g of heroin, and Lee Hsien Loong, the Singaporean Prime Minister, rejected personal requests for clemency from Mr Howard.

A hanging in Singapore is usually witnessed by about seven people, including the prison superintendent, a coroner, a doctor and a priest. No members of the prisoner’s family are allowed to attend. Nguyen’s mother, Kim, and other relatives gathered at a nearby chapel with friends and supporters.

However, Singapore’s Government made what, by its standards, was a notable concession, by allowing Nguyen to hold the hands of his mother and brother as he said his final goodbye to them.

“Like many jurisdictions that authorise capital punishment, Singapore does not allow ‘contact’ visits between prisoners and family members,” a statement read. “Such encounters can be traumatic and are likely to destabilise the prisoners and their family members.

“However, after considering the request carefully, especially the personal appeal made by PM Howard . . . Mr Nguyen will be allowed to hold hands with his mother and brother.”

Alexander Downer, the Australian Foreign Minister, described the concession as meagre. Lex Lasry, QC, Nguyen’s Australian lawyer, who was present at the family’s final meeting, said that his client, the child of Vietnamese boat people, was calm.

“We have just had a beautiful last visit,” a tearful Mr Lasry said. “It was a great visit and quite uplifting. He has little concern for himself. He has a great insight into his situation, and he is, in fact, ready to die.”

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