In April 2005, nine Australians were arrested in Bali, Indonesia, for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kg of heroin from Indonesia to Australia. All members of the Bali 9 were found guilty. Ultimately, seven members received between 20 years’ and life imprisonment. The remaining two, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were sentenced to death by firing squad.
We should not condone the death penalty. If not barbaric, it is hypocritical. In most societies, taking the life of another is the worst crime an individual can commit. So how is it justified that a government can take somebody’s life?
Whilst Chan and Sukumaran did not take any lives, their crimes should not be trivialised. Had they have been successful, many lives may have been affected. Does this warrant life imprisonment? Possibly. The death penalty? Absolutely not.
Arguably, the Bali 9 was aware of the penalty for their crimes and it was undoubtedly foolish behaviour. Whilst I have little personal sympathy for Chan and Sukumaran, I feel immensely for their families.
Chan and Sukumaran are dead. They served ten years in an Indonesian prison, however they are being punished no more. Their innocent families are still being punished for a crime they have not committed. Had Chan and Sukumaran received life imprisonment, their families would still suffer, however, not to this extent.
As an Australian, it saddens me that it takes the executions of Australians to make people question the death penalty. It should be something we continue to protest against, regardless of race and ethnicity.
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