[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Oct. 13



INDONESIA:

Drug mule's parents say death never the answer


LEE and Christine Rush are the 1st to acknowledge the grief suffered by
the families of the Australians killed in Kuta in 2002.

But the couple, whose 21-year-old son Scott has been sentenced to death by
firing squad in Bali for trying to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia, insist
that it is never a bad time to speak out about the death penalty  bombing
anniversary or not.

Mrs Rush described it as "extremely unfortunate" that the debate about the
death penalty had turned into a "debacle" this week after Opposition
foreign affairs spokesman Robert McClelland was widely criticised for
pledging consistency in a Labor government's opposition to capital
punishment  whether for foreign terrorists or Australian drug smugglers.

The Rushs argue that executing the Bali bombers won't deter others from
carrying out terrorist attacks. "It's extremely sad that 88 Australians
lost their lives under terrorism, but regardless it is proven that putting
someone to death doesn't deter similar activities," Mr Rush said.

Asked how he would explain his anti-death penalty stance to families of
the Bali bombings victims, Mr Rush said: "It's a democratic country. We're
lucky to be able to make our own decisions on how we live our lives. I
respect other people for that reason; I wish they'd take the time out to
respect my decision."

The Brisbane couple have become fierce campaigners against the death
penalty for anyone in the world, and say the Bali bombers should be given
life sentences.

"We will persist until we get a change. This must never happen to an
Australian kid again," Mrs Rush said. The family is now waiting on the
Constitutional Court in Jakarta to rule on October 30 whether imposing the
death penalty for a drug crime is unconstitutional.

(source: The Age)