Hard process in Malaysia: Frenchman Tom Félix threatens the death penalty!

Hard process in Malaysia: Frenchman Tom Félix threatens the death penalty!

Langkawi, Malaysia - On June 16, 2025, the trial against 34-year-old Frenchman Tom Félix began in the Malaysian city of Alor Setar. The former manager at Veolia, who is trained in aquaculture and marine biology, is faced with serious accusations: he is accused of possession and trade and, in the worst case, could be punished with the death penalty. Felix was arrested on August 9, 2023 on the Langkawi holiday island, where he was about to open a restaurant. When he was arrested, the authorities found several hundred grams of cannabis in the common rooms of the house in which he lived with a Malaysian partner.

The negotiations in front of the high court in Alor Setar had started promising, but were stopped early on the first day due to the absence of a witness. They are to be continued by Thursday, but could also be postponed by up to one year due to administrative obstacles. Tom's family, which also includes his parents Sylvie and Jean-Luc, speaks tirelessly for his innocence for over 630 days and they have already sent an official statement to the Malaysian prosecutors to remove the indictment. This included testimonies from Tom's former employers to prove his innocence.

living conditions in prison

The current conditions under which Tom is detained are alarming. He shares his cell with about 25 other prisoners and sleeps on a thin yoga mat, with fundamental hygienic facilities. His parents report "terrible" conditions and psychological stress that Tom suffers as the only white inmate, especially in communication with the other prisoners.

There are also worrying messages about the legal aspects of the case. Tom's lawyer, François Zimeray, already expressed concerns about the fairness of the Malaysian legal system and the inhuman conditions of detention. There is hope of a turn through the recent efforts of Malaysia to abolish the mandatory death penalty for certain offenses. If this process fails, Tom is in direct risk, as one of over 1350 people who are currently in the death wing, before a possibly cruel fate.

international support and doubts about the judiciary

The case also aroused the French government's interest. President Emmanuel Macron met Tom's parents on May 30 during an official visit to Singapore and assured that they do everything to help Tom. Nevertheless, consular support remains limited, and the family continues to have difficulty maintaining municipal means in order to cover the running costs for visits and lawyers. Meanwhile, Tom's lawyer has explained that the case is not treated prioritarian, which further reduces the hope of rapid clarification.

With all these challenges, the situation for Tom Félix and his family is worrying. The coming days will show whether something can turn for the positive in the procedure. Parents and friends take great hopes for every step that could bring Tom's release. Time is pushing and the support from the outside remains crucial.