Execution of the Bali 9

[redautumnleaves]

I hope that the President of Indonesia decides to commute the death sentence of the Bali 9. But it is looking increasingly unlikely. Although there is some last minute hope for the Filipina woman, Mary Jane Veloso.

www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/28/indonesia-set-to-execute-eight-foreigners-as-families-make-last-visit-to-prison

I hope they commute it too. I know that they have committed a terrible crime and people will have died because of their drugs, but I am just horrified about the death penalty in any country.

Yes, I am finding it hard to find the right words to express my 'hope' that they do not get executed. The death penalty is just wrong. No crime should be punished by state sanctioned murder. Life in prison for the worst crimes. The two Australians have admitted their guilt in this drug smuggling operation and a long jail sentence would be appropriate - but being shot while tied to a pole??? It is just beyond me.
But the more I read today the less hope their seems to be for any of them.
The two Australians seem to have a lot of dignity in what appear to be their final hours.
The Filipina woman has 2 young sons which just breaks my heart. They seem to have a big and supportive family which is some consolation.

Yes I agree to everything you have said. I have had some uncomfortable thoughts about 'what sort of crime' would I think the death penalty is justified... what kinds of horrors would have to occur for me to think it is the right thing, but can only think there has to no crime to justify state sanctioned murder as you say. A state has to be humane, or we are all just uncivilised. Life in prison that actually means that is another thing.

I am not explaining myself at all well though.

It not as if the Indonesians make a secret of the penalty for drug smuggling. If they can show they were coerced then they deserve to have a commuted sentence otherwise they knew. If they had succeeded in importing the drugs then more people would be damaged or killed.

They knew the penalty so I have no sympathy for them. The death penalty is wrong and should be abolished but they knew what they were risking.

It seems it is done. The woman may have been spared.

That is a bit heartless, they are still someone's son, they were young and made a big mistake. They worked hard to reform themselves.

Reports coming in that it has happened. I think we are much more aware now of Indonesia's stance on drugs than back in 2006.

AppleYumYum, I have sympathy for their families but not them. But it's done now and I hope they rest in peace.

Thank goodness for the reprieve of the woman. But sadness at the death of other people's sons, fathers, brothers. The footage is very harrowing of their grief.

It is horrible. The media scrum surrounding it can't have made it any easier for their families. Imagine saying goodbye to your child and knowing that hours later they will be taken out and shot. I can't imagine it and I can't believe that people had to do that yesterday.

The death penalty is never the answer.