Artist Ben Quilty says final farewell to Bali Nine pair Sukumaran and Chan

Australian artist Ben Quilty, who has led the Mercy Campaign to free Sukumaran and fellow inmate Andrew Chan, told SBS today that Sukumaran has a 'huge weight on his shoulders'.

Australian artist Ben Quilty, who has led the Mercy Campaign to free Sukumaran and fellow inmate Andrew Chan, told SBS today that Sukumaran has a “huge weight on his shoulders”.

Quilty said Sukumaran was no longer sleeping at night.

“He’s just suffering,” he said.

“He’s scared, he’s anxious, he’s not sleeping at night, he’s waiting for a knock on the door every single night. He’s been told he’ll be taken out in the middle of the night so he hasn’t slept.”

Permission was granted yesterday afternoon to move the pair from Kerobokan prison to Nusakambangan Island, where they will be executed by firing squad.

Their families will receive 72 hours notice of their impending death.

Quilty farewelled Sukumaran for what will likely be the last time yesterday.

The artist said his friend had lost hope his life will be spared.

“He lost hope last night no doubt about it,” he said.

“He’s on his way out. He’s completely shattered.”

Chan and Sukumaran were sentenced to death in 2005 after attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin from Indonesia to Australia.

The Australian Government says it continues to make repeated pleas to Indonesia to spare the pair.


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2 min read

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By Jessica Rich

Source: SBS


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