[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

July 17



INDONESIA:

Bali bombers' execution 'imminent'


THE execution of the 3 men found guilty of the 2002 Bali bombings could
take place today, families of the victims have reportedly been told.

The Herald Sun reports the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were expecting
the trio of Bali bombers to be executed over the weekend but the firing
squad was stood down at the last minute.

As a result they are expected to be executed today or in the next few
days.

David "Spike" Stewart, whose son Anthony was killed in the 2002 blasts,
said a senior AFP officer rang him last Friday to tell him the executions
were expected to go ahead over the weekend.

Mr Stewart now expects Amrozi, Imam Samudra and Ali Gufron to be shot
either today or in coming days after all avenues of appeal were exhuasted.

"We were so happy when we were told, now we just have to wait and when the
AFP rings us up and says it has happened that will be great," Mr Stewart
said.

"I just don't want them getting out and doing it again, I know they are
crazy enough."

John Croxford, whose wife Donna died in the Sari club blast, said a female
officer from the AFP told him on Sunday night to expect to hear
confirmation the bomber had been executed within days.

"I was told all avenues for appeal had been exhausted and so the next
stage was to take them out to a paddock," Mr Croxford said.

"She basically said it might happen any day but definitely within the next
fortnight."

A spokesperson for the AFP would not comment on whether the AFP had
contacted the victims' families.

The spokesperson also said she could not comment on the timing of the
execution as it was a matter for Indonesian authorities to comment on.

The Islamic fundamentalist trio were at the heart of the 2002 nightclub
bombing that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Like family members of other victims, Mr Croxford said the drawn-out
appeals process had taken its toll on relatives and the executions would
bring some sense of justice.

"I just feel very glad ... I think it's going to be beautiful when they
reach the place they are going and find out they are not being met by 1000
virgins."

Mr Croxford said the executions would not bring loved ones back but would
provide some people with peace of mind.

He said he felt for the families of the bombers but the killers had chosen
their own destiny.

"I can relate to how their kids and loved ones will feel because I am in
the same position."

(source: Herald Sun)