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| Southeast Asia |
| Bali bombers should not be executed, says rights group |
| 2008-10-29 |
| (AKI) - A human rights group has asked the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to commute the death sentence of the three Bali bombers who face imminent execution and instead sentence them to life in prison. The Bali bomb attacks were the worst terrorist act in Indonesian history. The twin attacks which occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the island of Bali killed 202 people and injured more than 200 others. "Your Excellency, we understand that the three men have refused to ask for clemency, yet we urge you in the strongest terms to use your powers to halt the executions of Amrozi bin H. Nurhasyim, Ali Ghufron and Imam Samudra," said the US-based Human Rights Watch, in a letter to Yudhoyono. "Rather than allow the executions to go forward, you should commute the men's sentences to life in prison." The three men were tried and sentenced under terrorism laws introduced after the bombings. "The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Indonesia is party, prohibits in article 15 the retroactive application of penal legislation....the basis for the death sentence in these cases--should not have been applied to Amrozi, Ghufron, and Imam Samudra," said the letter. The three bombers - Mukhlas, Amrozi and Imam Samudra - convicted over the attacks have been sentenced to death by firing squad. "Human Rights Watch deplores acts of terrorism and recognises the government's duty to bring to justice persons responsible for such serious crimes," the organisation said. "We condemn the 2002 Bali bombings as horrific and inexcusable attacks, and believe that the perpetrators should be held to account. We strongly believe, however, that the death penalty is not an appropriate sanction, particularly in this instance." |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #6 Ozzieman Are there not some chaps in Suva who could use some kindling for their fire walking ceremonies? |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2008-10-29 21:01 |
| #5 As an Australian i must admit i can not wait untill i informed of the moment in which these animals gasp for their last breath of fresh air. Rest in hell, A-Holes. |
| Posted by: Oztralian 2008-10-29 19:50 |
| #4 Still time to get in on the 'They are gonna walk" action. this is just the first act in the play. |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2008-10-29 17:03 |
| #3 Human Rights Watch. They never let you down. Especially if you're a mass murderer... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2008-10-29 10:53 |
| #2 it's ok too kill a drug smuggler but not a terrorist? WTF is wrong with these ppl |
| Posted by: chris 2008-10-29 10:35 |
| #1 I thought they were to be hung? |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2008-10-29 08:29 |