Bali pair's clemency rejection 'unfair'

The lawyer for the condemned Bali Nine pair says the Indonesian president's clemency rejection is unfair because he didn't provide reasons.

The lawyer for Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan says a challenge to the Indonesian president's rejection of their clemency bid is based on the fact he gave no reasons.

If the argument proves successful, it will buy breathing space for the condemned pair's legal team to look at other options.

"Under the law, we have no legal recourse anymore," Todung Mulya Lubis told reporters in Perth on Thursday.

"We've exhausted every legal recourse available.

"Now, we've filed another claim in the Jakarta Administrative Court challenging the rejection of the clemency.

"It is the right of the president to reject or accept clemency, however, rejection must be accompanied by reasons.

"The president has not given reasons - none whatsoever. And I don't think it is fair."

The matter will be heard on February 24.

If Dr Lubis is successful, the clemency rejection will be dismissed.

Asked what if Joko Widodo then simply rejects Chan and Sukumaran's clemency application again but provides reasons, Dr Lubis said: "Let's hope we pass the dismissal process.

"The court will (then asses) the merits.

"It will take quite some time.

"It is possible it will go all the way to the Supreme Court - we don't know yet - it depends on the decision of the administrative court of Jakarta.

"We are still contemplating another action but we still don't know yet because it seems we have no legal avenue to launch another action."

Dr Lubis said Mr Joko had the power to commute their sentences from the death penalty to a life sentence.

"We're not asking for acquittal, we're not asking for them to be released," he said.

"If they were to spend a few more years in jail (so) be it but we believe in human rights, the right to life and they have to be spared.

"These two young men have changed significantly and I think they deserve a second chance."

He said Sukumaran and Chan were "still very upset, very nervous with the waiting game".

"Every time I met them, I couldn't sleep. It is not easy for anyone.

"But they are still optimistic and I would like to keep the hope alive there could be light at the end of the tunnel."


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3 min read

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Source: AAP


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Bali pair's clemency rejection 'unfair' | SBS News