Add CategoryAUSTRALIAN Andrew Chan has spent another birthday behind bars in Bali, awaiting the likely confirmation his final appeal to be spared the death penalty has been denied.
Chan turned 31 on Monday, his ninth birthday in Indonesian custody for orchestrating the “Bali Nine†plot to smuggle heroin from Indonesia to Australia in 2005.
His co-ringleader Myuran Sukumaran last week learned his appeal for presidential clemency had been rejected, in a letter that said: “there’s not enough reason to give clemency to the convictedâ€. Sukumaran, 33, is one of possibly 26 prisoners to be executed in Indonesia this year, perhaps within months.
BALI NINE MEMBER’S FATE: Myuran Sukumaran to face the firing squad
REVEALED: What Myuran has been doing in jail in Bali
Bali Nine members Andrew Chan, left, and Mathew Norman pictured recently inside the jail. Picture: Lukman S Bintoro Source: Supplied
Chan has also made a clemency bid, but has yet to receive correspondence.
Through a Facebook page administered by his family and friends, Chan said he was crushed by the news about Sukumaran.
“Myu has worked tirelessly in this prison especially teaching art and computers to those who will one day get out,†he said. “It seems so pointless to end a life that has been rehabilitated and that makes such a difference.
Facing the death penalty ... Myuran Sukumaran inside Kerobokan Jail, where he is pictured in a workshop where he runs art workshops and rehabilitation programs. Picture: News Corp Australia Source: Supplied
“Both of us have and are working hard to make a positive contribution to the prison. Please pray for us.†President Joko Widodo is against granting death row drug offenders clemency, saying last month that drugs were claiming too many lives and the death penalty was needed as “shock therapy†to would-be offenders.
While the decision on Sukumaran says there’s “not enough reason†to pardon him, both he and Chan are considered model prisoners for instigating programs for their fellow inmates.
Myuran Sukumaran's mother Raji with his brother Chinthu and sister Brintha pictured at home following the rejected appeal for Myuran's clemency. Picture: News Corp Australia Source: News Corp Australia
Kerobokan Prison governor Sudjonggo says although there’s been no emotional changes in Sukumaran since he received the news, he planned on Monday to seek a psychologist for him.
The Australian legal team for both men hopes another legal avenue can be found.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australia is making representations on behalf of the men, however it would be “foolish†to jeopardise diplomatic ties with the country’s closest neighbour.