[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Sept. 12


INDONESIA:

Bali bombers on death row won't seek pardon


3 Islamic militants sentenced to death for the 2002 bombings on the resort
island of Bali will not seek a presidential pardon, their lawyer said on
Wednesday.

The 3 militants -- Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Ali Gufron -- have been on
death row for over 2 years after courts convicted them of playing leading
roles in the nightclub bombings in Bali that killed 202 people, mostly
tourists.

Ahmad Michdan, who heads a team of lawyers representing the 3 militants,
told Reuters his clients announced their decision during the lawyers'
visit to their maximum-security prison on an island off Java.

"The lawyers will not ask for pardon, this is what the clients want. They
are aware of the risks of their choices," Michdan said by telephone.

Under Indonesian law, the family also has the right to ask for a
presidential pardon. Michdan said he will consult with the families on
this option.

The attorney-general's office has not set a date for the execution, which
in Indonesia is conducted by a firing squad.

The militants' stand follows a Supreme Court decision last month to throw
out a final appeal by one of the bombers against his conviction.

Amrozi's lawyers had sought a review of his case, arguing the
Constitutional Court had ruled in 2004 that new anti-terrorism laws under
which the militants had been convicted could not be applied
retrospectively.

But a Supreme Court panel of judges found the appeal did not meet the
requirements of the law, Supreme Court judge Djoko Sarwoko said last week.

Verdicts for the 2 other death-row convicts are still pending.

Michdan read out a message from the three convicts which is part of a
written statement to be revealed after their execution.

"If we are executed, we will reunite with our beloved ones: the apostles,
the holy people, the martyrs, the pious people and the beautiful and
lovely angels," Michdan said.

"If we are executed, then our stream and drops of blood, God willing,
would allow us to become the light for the faithful ones and burning hell
fire for the infidels and hypocrites."

Amrozi, dubbed the "smiling bomber" for his chilling grin and expressions
of delight at the carnage caused by the blasts, said during his trial he
welcomed the death penalty.

The bombings in Bali have been blamed on the Southeast Asian Islamic
militant group Jemaah Islamiah.

Michdan said during the visit the three looked healthy and appearing
relaxed and composed.

"When we left the room they said, laughing, 'We are ready for execution,
at any time!"' Michdan added.

(source: Reuters)