8 Inmates Face Execution in the Early Hours of Wednesday

Liputan6.com, Cilacap - The wait is now over, for second batch death row inmates. The Indonesian firing squad has reportedly performed the execution of 8 men previously charged for variety of drugs-related offences early on Wednesday morning.

The number of executed inmates dropped down to 8 from the originally 9 individuals, following last-minute decision to spare the life of Philippines national, Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso.

The last-minute decision is not a sign of Mary Jane’s approved cancellation for her execution but a consideration for its postponement due to the recent development of her case. As the story develops, it has been learned that Mary Jane exerted all her legal power to avoid facing death as she took the risky chance proposing last-minute offer to reveal the identity of alleged accomplice and testify against the person.

Such proposition presented with much hopefulness placed upon the possibility of her capital punishment to be greatly reduced in severity.

The efforts to fight for her life extended to Philippines President Benigno Aquino III lobbying effort towards President Jokowi on the sidelines of ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia last Monday 27 April 2015.

"Mary Jane’s execution postponement is President Jokowi’s sincere gesture in taking into account Philippines President’s request," The Head of Information Division from the Indonesian Judiciary, Agung Tony Tribagus Spontana explained briefly to Liputan6.com, Wednesday (29/4/2015).

"The last-minute delay was also based on the premise suggesting the development of Mary Jane's case. Her immediate presence back in her country is deemed imperative as she has to testify against alleged accomplice who has been named as a suspect for human- trafficking case," Tony further explained.

French inmate, Sergei Areski Atlaoui has alsobeen excluded from the second session death penalty list following his continuous pledge to the National Court in Jakarta (PTUN).

Tony further explained how the defendant has fervently pledged for clemency to the PTUN. With the circumstance given, the Indonesian Judiciary is then obliged to take into account and respect the requests pledged by Sergei and wait until all legal process are done accordingly so that they the could determine the fate of the French man.

"He went for a last minute battle against the court pledging for clemency last week on Thursday 23 April 2015 at approximately 16.00 pm local time," Tony informed.

In the wake of dramatically illustrated turn of events, a number of countries and influential figures have evidently intensified efforts to abort the execution plan from ever occurring. Among those who tried was the United Nation Secretary General Ban- Ki Moon who favoured the idea of moratorium on capital punishment for those in the death row.

The following days will be seen as crucial period of time determining the relationship between Indonesia and countries previously declaring objection against Indonesia's arguably harsh capital punishment.

The recently executed inmates are as follow:

Myuran Sukumaran (Australia), captured for smuggling 8,2 kg heroin.
Zainal Abidin (Indonesia), captured for possessing large amount of marijuana.
Martin Anderson (Ghana), captured for selling and distributing 50 grams of heroin.
Raheem Agbaje Salami (Spain), captured for smuggling 6 kg heroin.

Rodrigo Gularte (Brazil), captured for smuggling 6 kg of heroin.
Andrew Chan (Australia), captured for smuggling 8,2 kg of heroin.
Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise (Nigeria), captured for smuggling 1,2 kg of heroin.
Okwudili Oyatanze (Nigeria), captured for selling and distributing 1,5 kg of heroin.

(Akp/Tnt)