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Lawyer urges Bali Nine execution appeal

Getty

Getty

Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan have been refused permission to leave prison to make a last-ditch appeal of their death sentences.

Their Indonesian lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis says it’s hoped the court registrar will go to them instead.

The Bali Nine ringleaders have been on death row in Kerobokan jail since 2006.

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But their date with the firing squad is nearing after they were denied presidential clemency.

Mr Lubis will file for a judicial review, known as a PK, late this week.

“I will still file a second PK because I do believe (there’s) a misapplication of the law, serious mistakes by previous judges,” he said.

“Then there are changes that have taken place at Kerobokan Prison in the case of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.”

Mr Lubis says the pair have achieved a remarkable rehabilitation, and inspired improvement in the jail and fellow inmates.

The Supreme Court isn’t involved in rehabilitation and doesn’t know these facts, he said.

But it’s uncertain whether the courts will allow a second judicial review.

Tony Abbott with Indonesian President Joko Widodo

Australian PM Tony Abbott (L) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Photo: Getty

As the legal effort goes on to save Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 33, so do diplomatic efforts.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the government will continue pressing the men’s case to President Joko Widodo.

But Mr Joko says Indonesia’s drugs problem needs a serious approach.

“Imagine, every day we have 50 people die because of narcotics, because of drugs,” he said in an interview with CNN to mark 100 days in office.

“In one year, it’s 18,000 people who die because of narcotics.

“We are not going to compromise for drug dealers.

“No compromise. No compromise.”

Mr Joko said it was the courts that determined death sentences, and the condemned could ask him for clemency.

“But I tell you, there will be no amnesty for drug dealers,” he said.

Asked if that meant no relief for the Australians, Mr Joko just shook his head.

The first six of 64 drug offenders on death row were sent to the firing squad last week.

Authorities will this week evaluate the first executions before setting a date for the next round.

Those executions prompted Brazil and The Netherlands to withdraw their ambassadors in protest after their pleas to save their citizens were ignored.

Australia could take the same step if Chan and Sukumaran are killed.

-AAP

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