More than three years after the execution of her Bali Nine son, Raji Sukumaran tearfully continues a fight to end the death penalty and has attracted some star power.
The mother of convicted drug smuggler Myuran Sukumaran joined Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson in Melbourne on Wednesday to call for the abolition of capital punishment.
"Myuran made a mistake and he rehabilitated and he helped so many people to rehabilitate and lead a good life and Myuran and Andrew should have been given a second chance," Ms Sukumaran said.
May 2015: The order of service for the funeral of convicted Bali Nine drug smuggler Myuran Sukumaran in Castle Hill. Source: AAP
The emotional mother said her son, who was 34 when executed, and fellow Bali Nine death row inmate Andrew Chan asked everyone to keep fighting against the death penalty.
"This is something I am committed to because of the great love I have of my son and the knowledge the death penalty is wrong in any circumstances," Ms Sukumaran said.
Sir Richard, a long-time opponent of capital punishment, said it was brave of Ms Sukumaran to speak against the death penalty.
April 2015: Amnesty international and Sydney Bali Nine activists held a vigil in Sydney in support of the Australian men. Source: Getty Images
"Innocent people get executed all over the world, people like Raji's son, after they've completely rehabilitated in prison and it was a complete waste of an incredibly talented young man's life," he said.
"For a country to say it's civilised it should have no part in the death penalty."
Their calls for change came on World Day Against The Death Penalty, as Australia continues to negotiate a moratorium through the United Nations Rights Council to end capital punishment.
February 2013: Self-portraits painted by Myuran Sukumaran in Kerobokan jail. Source: Getty Images
