Indonesian officials said Friday they are uncertain about the timing of planned executions of foreign prisoners from half a dozen nations, who have been found guilty of drug charges. Jakarta is under increasing pressure, particularly from Australia, which could have broader economic and political repercussions.
A spokesman for Indonesia’s attorney general Friday said there is no clear timetable for the execution of the 11 prisoners being held at a maximum detention facility on Nusakambangan Island.
The prisoners, from Australia, Brazil, the Philippines, France, Ghana, Nigeria and Indonesia are awaiting the firing squad after being found guilty of drug smuggling or involvement in illegal drugs.
Tough stand
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has taken a tough stand in calling for the death penalty, saying the aim is to protect Indonesia’s youth. The government has declared a “state of emergency” in what it sees as a war against narcotics.
Earlier this year, the government executed six convicted drug traffickers from Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, the Netherlands and Vietnam, as well as an Indonesian woman.
That caused Brazil and the Netherlands to withdraw their ambassadors. Foreign countries have since lobbied intensely for Indonesia to rescind the latest round of executions, arguing against the harsh punishment. But so far none have won a reprieve.
Rights groups such as Amnesty International also have been critical, saying the government’s apparent refusal to consider clemency on a case by case basis is contrary to the country’s constitution. (VOA)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your comment