On Saturday, the Indonesian government gave convicted Australian drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran 72 hours’ notice of their coming executions, meaning that they could face a firing squad as early as Tuesday night.
The men’s families visited them on Nusakambangan Island, where they are being held, and Chinthu Sukumaran, brother of Myuran, has told the media of the pair’s last wishes.
Per reports in Fairfax, Sukumaran, who has become a renowned artist in prison, and revealed two new works on Saturday, wishes “to paint for as long as possible” before his execution.
Chan has said that he wants to spend his final days going to church with his family.
A tearful Chintu Sukumaran later pleaded with the Indonesian government for mercy, addressing Joko Widodo and saying “it still doesn’t have to be this way.”
“I would ask the president to please, please show mercy, he continued. “There are nine people with families who love them – mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. We ask the president to please intervene and save their lives.”
News Limited report that the pair were recently asked to sign their death warrants, but refused, telling prosecutors that their coming deaths are unjust, as they believe that they have been rehabilitated in prison.
Sukumaran expressed particular sadness for Filipina single mother and fellow death row inmate Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, saying that her execution amounts to “killing the little person.”
Fiesta Veoso claims she was duped into smuggling drugs, and her case has stirred passion worldwide, with many arguing that she is a victim of the drug trade rather than a perpetrator.
The Indonesian government has not yet confirmed an execution date, but Chan, Sukumaran and their fellow inmates are preparing themselves for the likelihood that it will be Tuesday night.
Photo: Jewel Samad via Getty Images
