Bali Nine: Australia, UN continues last minute lobbying of Indonesia

Australia continues to make last-minute pleas to Indonesia to spare the lives of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says. Indonesia on Sunday signalled it was determined to push ahead with the execution of eight foreign drug convicts, despite a growing wave of global condemnation led by United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon. France has stepped up pressure on Jakarta in recent days, with President Francois Hollande warning of “consequences” if its citizen is also put to death.

There are nine people with families that love them … so we ask the president to use his powers to intervene and save their lives.

Australian Chintu Sukumaran, after visiting his brother Myuran on death row

Indonesian human rights activists are appalled at the president’s use of the death penalty, saying it is a punishment that belongs in the dark ages. Despite the appeals, Indonesia has shown little sign it is willing to back down and the foreign ministry indicated Sunday that Ban’s statement would not change their plans. The executions have been delayed for weeks, with Indonesia coming close to carrying them out in February, but then agreeing to let final legal appeals be resolved following an international outcry.

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