Free Myuran and Andrew from death penalty case in Indonesia

February 9, 2015

 

The Honorable Teuku Faizasyah

Ambassador of Indonesia

55 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1E5

 

Dear Mr. Ambassador:

 

I want to bring to your attention a death penalty case in Indonesia. Two Australians, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, are on death row for their role in the Bali Nine drug smuggling case. Both boys are now facing imminent execution this month by firing squad after their appeals for clemency have been rejected.

 

Myuran and Andrew have apologized profusely for their actions, and have been in Kerobokan Prison, Bali for the last 10 years. They have shown genuine remorse and have set up rehabilitation programs within the jail for fellow prisoners, a first in the history of Indonesian prison life.

 

Myuran and Andrew are currently running and teaching art/painting classes, classes in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office, a t-shirt printing operation, cooking skills classes, hygiene and first aid classes, and a host of other programs. Proceeds from the sales of art work are used to buy more supplies and provide better resources so inmates can enrich their lives and learn to valuable skills which they can put to use when they get out. Via the funds received from some of his paintings, Myuran recently helped a female inmate have a large, cancerous tumour removed, along with necessary medications and post-operative care.  If not for his determination to save her, she would not have survived.  Many inmates have testified that without Myuran’s guidance and counselling, they would have had no ambition to better themselves. Here is a link to a 5-minute video that will show you what they have accomplished: .

Since coming to Kerobokan, both boys have changed and have done remarkable things to show their repentance and rehabilitation. Could you please speak to His Excellency President Joko Widodo and plead our case to change their sentence from the death penalty to life in prison or twenty years?  Executing them will not do anyone any good! Let them pay Indonesia back by giving their skills, know-how, and inspiration to Indonesian citizens.

 

Mr. Ambassador, Myuran and Andrew have been scheduled to be executed this month of February.  I plead with you to do whatever is in your power to change the outcome of their situation for the better. These boys made a mistake ten years ago when they were very young and were not paying attention to the consequences.  They realize that now and are paying for their actions.

 

This plea for Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan has been an international effort and we are all trying very hard to get this urgent message out but have not had much success. We pray that you will be able to intercede with the Indonesian President to show mercy on these boys before it is too late.

 

 

I thank you so very much for your consideration and attention to this most important matter of life or death.

Sincerely,

Jaffna Tamil