Richard Branson refuses Singapore invitation to debate death penalty

UK entrepreneur turns down live TV debate and says government should instead engage with local activists

The British entrepreneur Richard Branson has rejected an invitation from Singapore's home affairs minister to debate the death penalty, urging him to instead engage with local activists who oppose the inhumane, brutal practice".

Branson had been invited by the ministry of home affairs to debate capital punishment live on TV, after he described it as a serious stain on Singapore's reputation", and condemned the execution earlier this year of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam.