[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Nov. 20



AUSTRALIA/INDONESIA:

Melbourne woman reveals love for Bali Nine's Scott Rush


A MELBOURNE woman has spoken of her love for death-row Bali 9 drug-runner
Scott Rush.

Laura Pemberton has revealed how she went to Bali as a tourist and visited
the condemned man in Kerobokan prison - striking up an "eternal"
relationship with him.

"Obviously there is a lot of love between us, but I don't want it taken
out of context," Ms Pemberton said. "I don't think I'm doing anything
unusual.

"I don't want to be seen as some sort of Mother Teresa."

After their 1st meeting, Rush sent a Valentine's Day card and flowers to
Ms Pemberton declaring his love for her.

The 26-year-old St Kilda saleswoman has returned to Bali twice to be with
Rush for a month at a time and they write to each other constantly.

Their bond is symbolised by matching "eternal" necklaces.

"I care about him very deeply," Ms Pemberton said.

"I wouldn't say I've fallen in love. I'd say I do love him. I love his
personality. He's a great person.

"He's a really kind, interesting human being. It's just a very close
relationship."

Rush, 22, is facing the death penalty along with 2 other Australians for
their roles in trying to smuggle 8kg of heroin from Bali to Australia in
2005.

His final legal appeal is expected to begin in Indonesia's Supreme Court
next month.

Failing that, he can seek clemency from President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, who has repeatedly said he would not grant mercy for drug
crimes.

The execution of the Bali bombers by firing squad this month brought
Rush's fate sharply into focus.

Ms Pemberton said she would be ripped by grief if Rush were executed.

(source: Herald Sun)