Australians set to face Indonesian firing squad despite pleas for mercy

Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, members of the so-called “Bali Nine,” were sentenced to death in 2006 and after several failed legal appeals and two denials of clemency, their execution by firing squad may now be close.

Bali’s Kerobokan prison was given permission this week to move Sukumaran and Chan to a maximum security facility on the island of Nusa Kambangan to have their sentence carried out. But the transfer has now been delayed, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The ABC says the Indonesian attorney general has agreed to the delay to accommodate requests from the Australian government that the families of Sukumaran and Chan have more time with them.

Perhaps fearing a boycott, national carrier Garuda Airlines has said it would not be involved in their transportation.

Most observers believe the executions will proceed despite a last minute appeal to Indonesia’s Administrative Court and a new claim that the 2006 trial judges offered a lighter sentence in exchange for a bribe.

Mother: ‘Please help’

And this hasn’t gone down well in Australia.

If last-minute appeals fail, Sukumaran and Chan will be allowed a few final choices: whether to stand or kneel, wear a blindfold or face the 12 man firing squad, one or more of whom will kill them.

The hashtag, #BoycottBali trends in Australia whenever news of the men’s plight features in the media.

While Chan’s parents have now left Bali, Sukumaran’s will stay to the end. As they prepare for what appears inevitable, it is surely little comfort for them to know that according to the Sydney Morning Herald, the man police suspect was the mastermind of their son’s trafficking enterprise is reportedly living a life of luxury in Sydney.

He was investigated but escaped prosecution and is believed to have won U.S. $3.89 million in a lottery just after the young Australians were convicted.

His fortunes stand in stark contrast to that of Sukumaran and Chan.

CNN