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Preparations are in top gear in Indonesia for the execution by firing squad of three Nigerians convicted of drug smuggling in the Asian country. One of them has been identified as the Spain-born Raheem Agbaje Salami, 45.
A report just coming in from Indonesia said that Salami and a Filipino woman were about to be transferred to an island prison off Indonesia’s main island of Java for execution. “In addition, two other Nigerians and four men from Brazil, France, Ghana and Indonesia are also scheduled to be executed,” the report by the Associated Press said.
It disclosed that two Australian convicts were today moved to the island prison where they will be executed by firing squad, adding that an Indonesian is also scheduled to be executed.
The preparations at the execution site at Nusakambangan Island’s maximum-security prison facilities have been completed, said Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo. But authorities have not given a date for the executions, although they appear imminent.
The planned executions have soured of relations between Indonesia and other countries involved, especially Australia and Brazil. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received phone calls from some foreign leaders asking that the executions be canceled, but has rejected their requests. He has vowed not to grant mercy to drug offenders because Indonesia is suffering a “drug emergency.”
Australia has repeatedly pleaded for clemency for its two citizens, Andrew Chan, 31 and Myuran Sukumaran, 33, who were arrested in April 2005 while trying to smuggle more than 8 kilograms (18 pounds) of heroin from Bali to Australia.
Chan and Sukumaran were removed from the Kerobokan Penitentiary on Bali island – where they have spent the last decade – in two police armoured vehicles in a pre-dawn operation involving scores of riot police. They were taken to Nusakambangan Island by flight and then a boat. Australian media camped there reported their arrival.
Prison authorities had earlier turned away Chan’s older brother, Michael Chan, who attempted a visit. Television footage showed Michael Chan walking away from the prison with his brother’s Indonesian girlfriend, who was in tears.
Prison governor Sudjonggo, who goes by a single name, told reporters Chan and Sukumaran did not appear worried as they left the prison. Sukumaran took several pencils in a plastic bag, clothes, a Bible and a drawing book, he said.
Indonesia executed six drug convicts including foreigners in January. More than 130 people are on death row, including 57 drug convicts.
•Adapted from an AP report. Photo shows one of Indonesian police armoured vehicles conveying two of the convicts in preparation for their execution alongside three Nigerians, six other foreigners and an Indonesian. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
