Australians Appeal Death Sentences in Indonesia

Denpasar, Indonesia (News Today) - Two Australian drug smugglers on death row in Indonesia said Tuesday they regretted their “stupid” crime as they appealed against their death sentences. Andrew Chan, 26, and Myuran Sukumaran, 29, members of the so-called Bali Nine gang, are seeking 20 years to life in prison for a 2005 attempt to smuggle 8.3 kilograms (18 pounds five ounces) of heroin into Australia from Bali island.

Reading their statements in halting Indonesian at the Denpasar district court, they offered public apologies for their crime and asked to be given a second chance.

“I regret my past behaviour. I seek forgiveness from Indonesians for my actions, which caused trouble to everyone and my family,” Chan said in a calm and steady voice.

“When I was jailed five years ago I foolishly thought I knew everything.While in court my lawyer advised me to say I was innocent."

“I thought I could walk free without being punished, although I’d committed the crime. I apologise that I didn’t respect the court at the time. I regret that I committed a stupid act.”

The prisoners said they had contributed to prison life by holding computer lessons for fellow inmates. Chan had also led church services in English.

Chan said he wanted to live and work as a pastor or counsellor “so I can provide guidance to young people to not commit the mistake I did”. Sukumaran also said he was sorry and ashamed of his “stupid” behaviour.

“I was so stupid, so very stupid as I’d heeded bad advice and as a result I should receive a harsh punishment,” he said.

“I took a long time to realise that I must think of others and not only of myself. My actions harmed others.” Defence lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis told the court the two were very young and “determined to change”.

Another Bali Nine member, Scott Rush, 24, is also appealing against his death sentence. Five others — Martin Stephens, Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj and Thanh Nguyen — are serving life sentences.Renae Lawrence, the only woman in the group, received 20 years but has had her sentence reduced by almost two years for good behaviour.

Source : kompas

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