Indonesia calls for clemency for 23 nationals facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia

Indonesia calls for clemency for 23 nationals facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia

2011-06-24 03:04:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- The Indonesian government on Thursday called for clemency for 23 nationals facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia, the state-run Antara news agency reported.

Law and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar said the government is still seeking pardon for the 23 Indonesian migrant workers despite Saudi authorities ruled that the convicts could not be released until receiving pardons from the families of the victims.

In the meantime, Ruyati binti Satubi was executed last Saturday after a court found her guilty of murdering the wife of a Saudi businessman. The Indonesian woman worked as a housekeeper and confessed killing her employer after a fight.

On Thursday, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sent a protest letter to Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Azis in regards to Ruyati's execution and asking clemency for the other convicts.

"The execution of our sister Ruyati without previous notice to the Indonesian government was clearly against international norms, ethics and propriety," said Yudhoyono. "I grieve over this incident and have sent a strong protest to the government of Saudi Arabia."

President Yudhoyono also welcomed the pardon and unconditional release of 316 Indonesian workers who were facing legal problems in Saudi Arabia. The migrants are being repatriated in groups; so far 190 have been sent back.

Also this day, Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister for Manpower and Transmigration, announced that a task force for citizens facing the death penalty abroad will be established next week.

The task force will consist in a team of legal experts under the oversight of the Law and Human Rights Ministry, according to Iskandar who remarked that it will not enter in conflict with the National Agency for Protection and Placement of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

According to Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, four Indonesians sentenced to death penalty abroad have been pardoned due to government efforts in the last two years.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-24