Brazil has recalled its ambassador from Indonesia to protest against one of its citizens being executed by firing squad for drug offences.
Indonesia executed six people, including the Brazilian and a Dutch citizen, and the Attorney-General says the country will not compromise on drugs.
The killings do not augur well for the two Australian ringleaders of the former heroin-smuggling group known as the Bali Nine.
Drug smugglers tend to get lengthy prison terms in Indonesia, and sometimes they are put to death for their crimes.
Six were executed by firing squad on Sunday, and now there are fears Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan could experience the same fate.
Indonesia has rejected Sukumaran's bid for clemency, and Chan is still waiting to hear the outcome of his clemency appeal.
Amnesty International Australia's crisis coordinator, Diana Sayed says there is deep concern.
"We are very seriously concerned about the two Australians who are also facing the death penalty, as the President announced late last year that there would be another 20 prisoners named this year who will be facing imminent execution."
Amnesty argues Indonesia's use of the death penalty is not deterring people from trafficking drugs.
"The fact is this punitive measure of executing them does not deter those who are drug-running throughout South-East Asia -- and all signs do indicate that these are the little fish -- and we don't condone the death penalty for anyone under any circumstances."
Lawyer Julian McMahon has told the ABC he is hoping the Indonesians will recognise both of his Australian clients have shown a commitment to rehabilitation.
"Our leaders, national leaders, have very strong arguments to put in Indonesia on the basis of a long process of very well-documented and internationally recognised rehabilitation and assistance to other prisoners. So that's a powerful and compelling argument. It's an argument that the rule of law welcomes, and it should open the door wider to see if we can get somewhere."
Foreign Minister Julia Bishop has told Channel 9 more than 50 separate representations have been made so far, all to no avail
"At this point, the Foreign Minister has rejected my pleas on their behalf, but we will continue to do all we can. I met with the families over the weekend, and I assured them that we would continue to make representations. Over many years, there have been about 50, 55 personal, one-on-one meetings between Australian leaders and Indonesian leaders. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and I have continued to raise the cases every time we meet with the senior leadership of the Indonesian government."
Share
