Australian on Indonesian death row loses clemency bid

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) - An Australian drug smuggler on death row in Indonesia has lost his appeal for presidential clemency, his final chance to avoid the firing squad, an official said Thursday, days after Jakarta executed five foreign drug offenders.

The Indonesian government said last week the trafficker, Andrew Chan, would be put to death with another Australian drug smuggler, Myuran Sukumaran, as they had committed their crime together.

Sukumaran’s clemency appeal was rejected last month, and the attorney general had said authorities were waiting for the outcome of Chan’s appeal.

There was no immediate response from the Indonesian authorities as to when the pair might be executed. New President Joko Widodo has taken a tough line on capital punishment, vowing no clemency for death row drug convicts.

The men were among a group of Australians, dubbed the "Bali Nine", arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle eight kilogrammes (18 pounds) of heroin out of the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Both men were sentenced to death in 2006, and sought presidential clemency after losing appeals to Indonesia’s Supreme Court in 2011. They are jailed in Bali’s Kerobokan prison.

A spokesman for the district court in the Balinese capital Denpasar said he had received a "presidential decree on the rejection of clemency for Andrew Chan".

"The court chief then instructed... that the convict be informed," he said.

The letter, which was signed on January 17 and seen by AFP, said: "After careful consideration of the clemency appeal of the convict as listed in the presidential decree, it is assessed that there is not enough reason to grant clemency to the convict."

Fears are growing Chan and Sukumaran could face the firing squad soon, after Indonesia defied international appeals and went ahead with the execution of six drugs offenders, including five foreigners, at the weekend.

The move sparked a diplomatic storm, with Brazil and the Netherlands -- a Brazilian and a Dutchman were among those put to death -- recalling their ambassadors.

Following the executions, Australian Foreign Minister Julia Bishop said that Canberra would "continue to make representations at the highest level" to save the two Australian drug smugglers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Australian-on-Indonesian-death-row-loses-clemency--30252442.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-22

Good riddance.

Whilst not discussing the merits or otherwise of Capital Punishment, the Indonesian President make much noise about the Indonesian drug problem... So note that the charge was for smuggling of drugs out of Indonesia.. not into.

"The men were among a group of Australians, dubbed the "Bali Nine", arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle eight kilogrammes (18 pounds) of heroin out of the Indonesian resort island of Bali".

Whilst not discussing the merits or otherwise of Capital Punishment, the Indonesian President make much noise about the Indonesian drug problem... So note that the charge was for smuggling of drugs out of Indonesia.. not into.

"The men were among a group of Australians, dubbed the "Bali Nine", arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle eight kilogrammes (18 pounds) of heroin out of the Indonesian resort island of Bali".

The president said he would reject call for clemency for more than 60 drug convicts, both local and foreign citizens, currently on death row.

I doubt they (the 60) were all attempting to smuggle drugs out of the Indonesia resort.

On this one I think the AFP have blood on their hands of the stories are true that one parents of the nine tipped them off thinking they'd be arrested on return to Australia.

On this one I think the AFP have blood on their hands of the stories are true that one parents of the nine tipped them off thinking they'd be arrested on return to Australia.

Wow, indeed they do if the story is true. A case of "Oh Gawd, let the Indonesians deal with it before it gets here...better tell them."

Nonetheless....all 9 knew the consequences, they had a choice to smuggle or not.

It's not a question of smuggling IN or OUT of the country. Was it okay to smuggle drugs OUT of Indonesia. As much as I do not wish anyone to go through this terrible experience, one can only imagine the untold destruction and pain that the 8 kg hard core drugs would have brought to innocent people and their families in Australia. US still has capital punishment in some States and the law of the country needs to be understood and respected. Indonesia is imposing this harsh rule to everyone irrigardless of where one comes from.

By the way, people who oppose drugs and the consequences of this evil, should be happy with the Indonesian President that he makes a noise.

In my opinion they are absolutely correct to do so and I applaude them for actually following through with their laws and not going weak in the knees and caving to silly international pressure.After all,even according to Buddhist philosophy,the spirit can never die so they will just be forced to go to their next body and life so since they wasted this one they can go ahead and start fresh one and hopefully they will remember their punishment in their subconscious and make better choices next time,in the next life.Westerners seem to be so dull headed that they cannot seem to grasp the fact that no-one ever dies really-death only means going to another life,but thoise same silly Westerners always think of themselves as very advanced and scientific.Yet any and every person in Thailand , farmer or street cleaner,knows that the spirit never dies but just goes on to another life.............that is real and useful knowledge.Cheers

In my opinion they are absolutely correct to do so and I applaude them for actually following through with their laws and not going weak in the knees and caving to silly international pressure.After all,even according to Buddhist philosophy,the spirit can never die so they will just be forced to go to their next body and life so since they wasted this one they can go ahead and start fresh one and hopefully they will remember their punishment in their subconscious and make better choices next time,in the next life.Westerners seem to be so dull headed that they cannot seem to grasp the fact that no-one ever dies really-death only means going to another life,but thoise same silly Westerners always think of themselves as very advanced and scientific.Yet any and every person in Thailand , farmer or street cleaner,knows that the spirit never dies but just goes on to another life.............that is real and useful knowledge.Cheers

Yes, indeed. We can witness that daily for example in the way the locals drive in Thailand.

It's not a question of smuggling IN or OUT of the country. Was it okay to smuggle drugs OUT of Indonesia. As much as I do not wish anyone to go through this terrible experience, one can only imagine the untold destruction and pain that the 8 kg hard core drugs would have brought to innocent people and their families in Australia. US still has capital punishment in some States and the law of the country needs to be understood and respected. Indonesia is imposing this harsh rule to everyone irrigardless of where one comes from.

I by no means advocate the use of heroine and I think those who deal it should be punished ... although not by death. Using your logic, you could say the same thing about those who sell alcohol and the "untold destruction and pain" that alcohol abuse causes to many more millions of people world wide than does heroine. Ditto tobacco. A slower more drawn-out process perhaps, but destruction/pain and death none the less.

Good riddance.

And if it was your son? (Though I doubt you have children) Remember something about those without sin and casting the first stone! No one forces these people to take drugs, they do it in most cases on their own, shooting the guy is hardly the answer. You will probably be whining on the other forum about the guy that shot the Soi Dog!

No one here condones the selling of drugs, but lets get things into perspective and have a punishment fitting the crime. And before any of u do gooders who have had about as much experience with drugs as a couple of paracetamol, start banging on, drugs are a choice, the user being fully to blame. Now in reality, far more deaths are alcohol related than drug related. Millions die from the effects of smoking. Don't see u ganging up on your local 7 elevens or news agents or breweries. Yes, selling drugs is bad ( mainly because of its illegality ) but put it into perspective.

In my opinion they are absolutely correct to do so and I applaude them for actually following through with their laws and not going weak in the knees and caving to silly international pressure.After all,even according to Buddhist philosophy,the spirit can never die so they will just be forced to go to their next body and life so since they wasted this one they can go ahead and start fresh one and hopefully they will remember their punishment in their subconscious and make better choices next time,in the next life.Westerners seem to be so dull headed that they cannot seem to grasp the fact that no-one ever dies really-death only means going to another life,but thoise same silly Westerners always think of themselves as very advanced and scientific.Yet any and every person in Thailand , farmer or street cleaner,knows that the spirit never dies but just goes on to another life.............that is real and useful knowledge.Cheers

If some day some one plants some dope in your home and u get busted for it then i will applaude for whatever punishment you will be given for it..

Recalling Ambassadors in protest, who ridiculous. These guys had several kilograms of drugs on them, they knew what they were doing. I can only assume Brazil and the Netherlands condone drug running; why would they be protesting if they didnt?

I wonder if someone was caught with that amount of drugs coming into either of the protesting countries they would be leanient? If they would be then they should be ashamed

Or be lucky enough to be the parent of a 20 year old drug addicted daughter that just died from a heroin over dose. They knew the deal from the very get go.....Some win...some lose. You wanna live a thug life? your choice. But don't cry if things don't swing in your favor.

One thing I do like is a man of his word....He warned them, they gambled and he made good on his promise!

They played a bet on their lives while carrying them...and the lost the bet

I don't have a problem with the death penalty per se, but there have been mistakes made and innocents have died (certainly doesn't look like the Aussie was innocent though), look at all the death penalty inmates released due to the recent use of DNA testing. What scares me is if I or somebody I know, or anyone else for that matter travels into or out of a country like Indonesia with an innocently packed then checked suitcase that has somehow been tampered with whilst it's out of my control, perhaps a baggage handler or someone in that sort of position. All of a sudden I'm in a terrible bind, and potentially could be put against a wall and shot.

I don't have a problem with the death penalty per se, but there have been mistakes made and innocents have died (certainly doesn't look like the Aussie was innocent though), look at all the death penalty inmates released due to the recent use of DNA testing. What scares me is if I or somebody I know, or anyone else for that matter travels into or out of a country like Indonesia with an innocently packed then checked suitcase that has somehow been tampered with whilst it's out of my control, perhaps a baggage handler or someone in that sort of position. All of a sudden I'm in a terrible bind, and potentially could be put against a wall and shot.

Yeah, Chapelle Corby tried that angle.

Guilty as charged!

I think its pointless killing these two , who were 22 and 25 at the time of the offence. The world will still be full of people who use drugs and people who supply them whether these are executed or not

Recalling Ambassadors in protest, who ridiculous. These guys had several kilograms of drugs on them, they knew what they were doing. I can only assume Brazil and the Netherlands condone drug running; why would they be protesting if they didnt?

I wonder if someone was caught with that amount of drugs coming into either of the protesting countries they would be leanient? If they would be then they should be ashamed

The ignorance of the above is breath taking.

Have a look at the history of what actually went down in regards to the role of the AFP... and HOW the AFP became aware.... As an Aussie, it casts the whole thing in a different light. They should have been allowed to travel to OZ and been arrested there.... lock 'em up for life if need be... BUT, our FEDS, acting on advice, provided by a worried father, of the youngest of the Bali 9, Scott Rush, told the Indonesians to do with them as they please. Instead of asking the Indonesians to monitor them, and then arrest them here. It has been done many many times before, and since.

"I can only assume Brazil and the Netherlands condone drug running; why would they be protesting if they didnt?"

Quite possibly the silliest comment I have ever seen on here.. They do not believe in the death penalty, pretty simple stuff really!!

It appears you are a card carrying member of the "hang 'em high, as long as the ain't a friend or relative" MOB.

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Recalling Ambassadors in protest, who ridiculous. These guys had several kilograms of drugs on them, they knew what they were doing. I can only assume Brazil and the Netherlands condone drug running; why would they be protesting if they didnt?

I wonder if someone was caught with that amount of drugs coming into either of the protesting countries they would be leanient? If they would be then they should be ashamed

The ignorance of the above is breath taking.

Have a look at the history of what actually went down in regards to the role of the AFP... and HOW the AFP became aware.... As an Aussie, it casts the whole thing in a different light. They should have been allowed to travel to OZ and been arrested there.... lock 'em up for life if need be... BUT, our FEDS, acting on advice, provided by a worried father, of the youngest of the Bali 9, Scott Rush, told the Indonesians to do with them as they please. Instead of asking the Indonesians to monitor them, and then arrest them here. It has been done many many times before, and since.

"I can only assume Brazil and the Netherlands condone drug running; why would they be protesting if they didnt?"

Quite possibly the silliest comment I have ever seen on here.. They do not believe in the death penalty, pretty simple stuff really!!


It appears you are a card carrying member of the "hang 'em high, as long as the ain't a friend or relative" MOB.

Agree tragic balls up by AFP

Or be lucky enough to be the parent of a 20 year old drug addicted daughter that just died from a heroin over dose. They knew the deal from the very get go.....Some win...some lose. You wanna live a thug life? your choice. But don't cry if things don't swing in your favor.

One thing I do like is a man of his word....He warned them, they gambled and he made good on his promise!

Craig Well said

I am the brother of a 21 year old who lost his life to a heroin overdose. He knew what the consequences could be but took the gamble. He was a good kid who made a mistake which cost him his life. In the same way these two took a gamble knowing full well what the consequences could be. Forget alcohol and smoking deaths, we know that happens but this story is about heroin and its about laws of another country which are well known

I don't have a problem with the death penalty per se, but there have been mistakes made and innocents have died (certainly doesn't look like the Aussie was innocent though), look at all the death penalty inmates released due to the recent use of DNA testing. What scares me is if I or somebody I know, or anyone else for that matter travels into or out of a country like Indonesia with an innocently packed then checked suitcase that has somehow been tampered with whilst it's out of my control, perhaps a baggage handler or someone in that sort of position. All of a sudden I'm in a terrible bind, and potentially could be put against a wall and shot.

Yeah, Chapelle Corby tried that angle.

Guilty as charged!

There's a link about that case on Wikipedia, if you go to the following, you'll see there was considerable support for Schappele's case. Too late now, but maybe she was innocent as she contended… either way, it does apparently happen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schapelle_Corby#Alleged_involvement_of_baggage_handlers

Good riddance.

And if it was your son? (Though I doubt you have children) Remember something about those without sin and casting the first stone! No one forces these people to take drugs, they do it in most cases on their own, shooting the guy is hardly the answer. You will probably be whining on the other forum about the guy that shot the Soi Dog!

But if it was your son that died of a drug overdose thanks to these greedy smugglers, maybe you would be singing from a different song sheet? Good riddence.

I wish that the Big Tobacco companies were treated similarly! More people die from their drugs than the other kind

whilst I do feel sorry for these two people everyone know the penalties in Asia for drug smuggling.

they should of thought of this before doing it, I know I would of.

On this one I think the AFP have blood on their hands of the stories are true that one parents of the nine tipped them off thinking they'd be arrested on return to Australia.

Nonsense Samran.

Nobody at the AFP forced these two idiots to do what they did.

The AFP should be applauded for their good work and the 5 million dollars that would of been wasted on the Bali 9 housing them in Aussie jails for the last 10 years assuming they would of served any time at all.

INDONESIA Please execute this vermin asap. Please allow this to happen very quickly as we are all sick of hearing about it.

Australia Please stop wasting tax payer money on these evil convicted scum bags. Send Indonesia two rounds and ask them to expedite proceedings.

whilst I do feel sorry for these two people everyone know the penalties in Asia for drug smuggling.

they should of thought of this before doing it, I know I would of.

Feel sorry for them to your heart's content, but I dont see how your sentiment justifies the use of bolding and such a large font - we get that you're passionate about this issue. This is a list of Australians currently jailed overseas who may be more worthy of your efforts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_Palfreeman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stern_Hu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Greste

The Greste case is a complete travesty - by comparison, Chan and Sukumaran both knew what they were doing when they flew to Bali to collect the heroin from Thai woman Cherry Likit. Sure, there's a line there somewhere, but this is a serious subject.

Something the pity party here seems to have ignored is the fact that several of the Bali Nine are doing 20 years / life for the same amount of heroin which would have seen an Asian executed years ago. No such luck for Australian heroin traffickers caught in Singapore and Malaysia - 100% kill rate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Australians_imprisoned_or_executed_abroad#Malaysia

Finally, I'm not seeing a lot of forum love for this fellow -

http://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-pham-trung-dung-sentenced-to-death-in-vietnam-reports-20140628-zsp2f.html

Vietnam has some of the world’s toughest drug laws. Possessing or trafficking 100 grams of heroin is punishable by death.

Cmon neverdie, surely even a single round is wasted on these 'vermin' - perhaps this will cheer you up:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/hangmans-sickening-outburst/2005/11/29/1133026469650.html

He was 74 in 2005, which would make him well past it by now - perhaps they're looking for new blood to step in and take his place ? Apparently national pride was at stake back then - you'll be doing them a favor.

There was a suggestion that Malaysia, the only other country in the region which uses hanging as its method of execution, might provide a hangman. However, observers say it would be a serious loss of face for Singapore.