Indonesia to execute six drug offenders

[Aractus]

I don't know what to say. I feel those two were rehabbed. I also don't equate drug distribution to deliberate murder. But apparently it's worse than hat out there. This young American couple who were accused of beating the female's mother to death and stuffing her in a suitcase in Bali got off, with, I think, 20 year terms.

It's Indonesia. They are a sovereign nation of sovereign people. But then, so is America. We're backwards at times, but not that badly.

America is backwards because they still practise the death penalty even though it's been abolished in virtually all other democratic first-world countries.

Back just 50 years ago, the death penalty was supported by the vast majority of people living in first world democracies, there's been a shift in values away from it.

The disturbing thing about this case in particular were that the pair were described as model prisoners and were credited with reducing (in fat almost eliminating) drug use in the prison and reducing prisoner disorder. We see this right across the world is that when prisoners are given the opportunities to do meaningful work and participate in meaningful activities that their self-value increases and consequently they behaviour increases as well. The more oppressive prisons with less activities and opportunities for the prisoners see more disorder and violence from the prisoners.

Drug dealing crimes are in my opinion one of the worst possible criminal offences. And if you wanted to use the death penalty at all then I would agree that drug smuggling cases would be a good one to target. I don't disagree with that at all - I don't believe in the death penalty either, I'm just playing devil's advocate and explaining that I do see why you would want to use the death penalty against drug smuggling criminals. But on the other hand the prison superintendent said the pair were "model prisoners" and had contributed not just to the drug reduction in the prison, but Sukumaran had also led English and other classes (including art), and was responsible for around 20 other prisoners. Chan helped organise courses and led church services in the prison.

President Widodo made it an election promise not to show any leniency towards drug smugglers. I do not do believe that he had to; the pair had a recommendation from the prison superintendent that they should be taken off death row. That wouldn't be showing leniency, that would be acknowledging the advice of the prison officials that the prisoners were an asset to them and to the other prisoners. By not commuting the sentences Indonesia has shown they cannot use capital punishment responsibly and sensibility.