Aussies on death row worry for others

The two rehabilitated Bali Nine ringleaders are concerned their execution would discourage other prisoners from trying to turn their lives around.

Australian death-row prisoners Myuran Sukumaran, right and Andrew Chan, left

Australian death-row prisoners Myuran Sukumaran, right and Andrew Chan, left (File: AP)

Australian Andrew Chan has been told his plea for clemency from Indonesia's president has been rejected, but even as execution looms, his concern is for his fellow prisoners.

Chan, 31, and Myuran Sukumaran, 33, have become respected figures in Bali's Kerobokan prison, where they prepare inmates for life after jail through the art and cooking classes they have established.

Their defence argues the pair have achieved remarkable rehabilitation since their arrest for leading the 2005 Bali Nine heroin-smuggling plot.

The team is urgently compiling an application for another judicial review of their case to save them from the firing squad.

Melbourne barrister Julian McMahon visited the jail on Friday as the clemency rejection was delivered to Chan.

He said both Sydney men were concerned about what it meant for other prisoners.

"They say, if there's no reward for that kind of change, what incentive is there for any other prisoner to try and improve themselves, and try and change for the better," Mr McMahon told reporters.

The pair were proud of the change they had achieved in themselves and others, he said.

"They both earnestly believe that if the president and other important people in Indonesia could see the good work they've done in prison ... people would give them some forgiveness for their bad crime and say that it's better they spend a long time in jail than they be executed."

Chan spent Friday in prayer with other inmates and a prisoner who is seriously ill.

He was visited by friends who had earlier embraced each other in tears outside the jail.

Kerobokan prison governor Sudjonggo told reporters Sukumaran was painting as usual.

To ensure their welfare, they would soon be offered a psychologist.

"Whether they are sad or disappointed, who knows what is in their hearts?" he said.

However, the governor stressed the psychologist would be available to all in their situation.

"There's no special treatment for Myuran and Andrew," he said.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he spoke to both men's families on Friday.

He said the Australian government was "continuing to make every possible effort" to stop the executions of the reformed men.

However, diplomatic efforts did not save citizens of The Netherlands and Brazil, who were among six people executed on Sunday.

Indonesia plans to execute a further 20 death-row prisoners this year, but has not scheduled a date for the two Australians.


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