The Indonesian authorities and community legal aid institute have executed 14 convicts, gave the breakdown of those on death row as six Nigerians, four Indonesians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani.
According to Amnesty International sources said, three more Nigerians will be executed between now and Saturday.
Although, Indonesia authorities through attorney-general’s office has not announced a date for the executions but spokesman Muhammad Rum confirmed that 14 convicts would be executed soon while the preparations are underway at the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java.
Base on the death penalty for drug crimes in Indonesia, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch has called on President Joko Widodo, also known as “Jokowi,” to commute the sentences of at least 14 inmates including a number of foreign nationals for drug trafficking.
According to the organization fourteen people will face the firing squad as early as this weekend, including Indonesians, a Pakistani, an Indian, a Zimbabwean, a Senegalese, a South African and five Nigerians.
“Families were granted last visits on Thursday as executions loomed for the convicts, who were arrested for alleged drug trafficking.
Fourteen drug convicts faced the firing squad in 2015, six in January and another eight in April.
Widodo has taken a tough stance against drug trafficking since his election in 2014, saying the country is facing a drug emergency.
Moreover, local and international human rights groups have urged Indonesian President Joko Widodo to halt the impending executions.
In addition, Amnesty International said, “The death penalty does not deter crime. Carrying out executions will not rid Indonesia of drugs. It is never the solution, and it will damage Indonesia’s standing in the world,”
Finally, their families were given until 3 pm today to visit them because executions in Indonesia usually take place late at night outside the Nusakambangan prison facility and it’s likely that the executions would be carried out tonight.”
