Indonesia executions needless, abhorrent

The recent execution of the seven foreigners convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia was not only unnecessary but was also a blatant violation of the principle of the right to life. Following the executions of the convicts by a firing squad, Australia withdrew its ambassador in protest.

One execution was stopped after a confession of the person who incidentally put the drugs in the bag of one of the convicts who was also set to face the firing squad. Although the drugs menace is threatening the very survival of Indonesia, the executions have painted President Joko Widodo’s administration in a negative light.

In the countdown to the executions, there were worldwide appeal to Widodo’s government to spare the convicts as some of them were said to have reformed. One of the death row inmates was a teacher at the prison where they were being held while another a preacher. All the appeals for mercy fall on a deaf ear.

Again, the method used to end their lives should be banned by United Nations and the world. Indonesia should be shunned by all countries until it adopts more humane ways of punishing drug trafficking convicts.