Australia should stick to its principles on death penalty

Civil Liberties Australia is calling on the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to refrain from supporting the state killing of anyone in Indonesia, terrorist bombers or drug smugglers.

Civil Liberties Australia is calling on the Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister to refrain from supporting the state killing of anyone in Indonesia, terrorist bombers or drug smugglers.

“Australia cannot in conscience support, or say we ‘understand’ the imminent state execution of the Bali bombers, and then protest against the execution of Australian drug smugglers,” CLA president Dr Kristine Klugman said.

“The Australian Government, on principle, does not support the death penalty. We have federal legislation preventing it in this country.

“On principle, Mr Howard and Mr Downer should not make public statements in any way supporting the state killing by Indonesia of the Bali bombers. It may cost Australian lives later on.

“This is a chance for both Mr Howard and Mr Downer to show they have moral backbone, and that they are prepared to stand on principle.

“The Indonesians will have more respect for them, and for Australia, if they do.”

Dr Klugman said Australia should begin a dialogue with Indonesia aiming for introduction of a formal moratorium on state executions for 10 years from 2010.

“Mr Downer and Mr Howard can support the CLA 10/10 for Life
campaign, which aims to stop capital punishment worldwide for 10 years from 10/10/10 (10 October 2010).

“We need Indonesia as a future partner against the death penalty. Indonesia could help Australia to show a lead to the AsiaPacific
region by halting all state executions.

“Killing by the state is as wrong as killing by terrorist bombers,” she said.