Of the many, many discussions you’ve had about the looming executions of Bali Nine drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the phrase “I’d maybe understand it if they were murderers” has probably been uttered by somebody at some point.
Indonesia’s justice system, or at least the country’s president Joko Widodo, has different priorities.
It has recently emerged that, in February of this year, Widodo approved a clemency plea for Dwi Trisna Firmansyah, who was convicted of the premeditated killing of a shop owner and his son during a robbery in April 2012.
Per the Jakarta Post, Firmansyah and two accomplices beat the man and his son to death, and stole a car, two motorcycles, dozens of mobile phones and vouchers, vehicle ownership documents, and three bags containing money.
Firmansyah is now facing life imprisonment, instead of execution. Two other murderers were also granted clemency, although based on current reports, it’s unclear whether these men were Firmansyah’s accomplices or others.
Seven report that a representative of Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has defended the choice, arguing that drugs take a greater toll on society than murder.
“Indonesia as a nation is not taking pleasure in punishing anyone with the death penalty,” said Arrmanatha Nasir.
Australians Chan and Sukumaran are among a group of 10 inmates on death row in Indonesia, but their executions could be delayed for months as officials reexamine the case of Filipina Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso.
Veloso was convicted of smuggling heroin, but has claimed that she had no knowledge of the drug in her possession, and was set up by an acquaintance.
Photo: Francis R Malasig via Getty Images
