Former Prime Ministers have united to appeal for the lives of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
As two Australians face execution by firing squad in Bali, six former Prime Ministers have come together in an effort to save their lives.
The Australian reported the former leaders distributed statements pleading for mercy from the Indonesian government.
Kevin Rudd
“As a deep, long-standing friend of Indonesia, I would respectfully request an act of clemency.”
Julia Gillard
“I would find it heartbreaking if such extraordinary efforts to become of good character were not met with an act of mercy.”
Read more: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran to be transferred for execution.
John Howard
“Mercy being shown in such circumstances would not weaken the deterrent effect of Indonesia’s strong anti-drug laws.”
Paul Keating
“In this case, the penalty is out of all proportion to the crime.”
Bob Hawke
“I call on the Indonesian government to show mercy and clemenecyt to Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. Justice should be based on human understanding. These two men made a mistake when they were young and foolish.”
Malcolm Fraser
“We are very much opposed to the death penalty in Australia.”
Ask the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, to take mercy on Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, by signing the Mercy Campaign petition.
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When John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard were Prime Ministers in power, they did nothing to help the Bali Nine during those years 2005 - 2013. All three either agreed with or ignored the capital punishment of Australians abroad. Why the change of heart now? Is Sir Tony Abbott offering more knighthoods ?
When the death penalty is imposed, it is not designed to rehabilitate the convicted drug smuggler. The purpose is to eradicate the threat to society. These guys have had ten years of borrowed time. If they behave inside jail, they get privileges. Definitely, never bring them back to Australia, at least not alive. There are those online saying "SAVE OUR BOYS". Our "boys" ? They're not heroes by any means, but that's what they will be treated like if they ever make it back. Get it over and done with it. Let's move on as a nation, instead of wasting time and resources trying to interfere with another country's judicial system.