Indonesia Executions: UN Chief Expresses ‘Deep Regret’

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed “deep regret” over Indonesia’s execution of eight people convicted of drug offences.

The seven foreigners and one Indonesian were executed by firing squad on Wednesday, sparking diplomatic fury.

In a statement, Mr Ban said the death penalty had “no place in the 21st Century” and urged Indonesia to spare all other death row prisoners.

Indonesia has staunchly defended its actions as part of its “war on drugs”.

“Execution is not a pleasant thing. It is not a fun job,” Indonesian Attorney General Prasetyo said on Wednesday.

“But we must do it in order to save the nation from the danger of drugs.”

Among the executed prisoners were two Australian men – Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – and Brazilian Rodrigo Gularte, all convicted of drug smuggling.

Australia, a key ally of Indonesia, has recalled its ambassador in protest.

Mr Abbott on Wednesday described the treatment of the Australians as “cruel and unnecessary”, calling it a “dark moment” in Australia’s relationship with Indonesia.

“We respect Indonesia’s sovereignty but we do deplore what’s been done and this cannot be simply business as usual,” he said.

Posted by Editor on April 30, 2015. Filed under World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry