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Tony Abbott’s Bali Nine plea

Tony Abbott has appealed to the Indonesian government to spare Bali Nine drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from execution, saying he believes the men are genuinely reformed.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has refused Sukumaran’s final clemency plea, while Chan is still waiting to know the outcome of his appeal.

• Surge in support for Bali Nine mercy plea
• Aus Bali Nine cases raised regularly: Bishop

Speaking on Sydney radio station WSFM on Tuesday, Mr Abbott said he believed the pair, who operated a heroin smuggling ring, were genuinely remorseful after spending 10 years in prison.

“I hope that the evidence of genuine remorse, of genuine rehabilitation, means that even at this late stage … this might be accepted, because in the end mercy has to be a part of every justice system,” Mr Abbott said.

“I think that these two are well and truly reformed characters.

“I hope that the Indonesians will accept that, acknowledge it and act appropriately.”

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop this week told Sky News the Australian government had made constant pleas at the highest level for Chan and Sukumaran to be shown mercy.

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