Bali Nine: Indonesia orders 'execution preparations'

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were sentenced to death in 2006 for drug smuggling

Indonesia has ordered preparations for the execution of two Australian drug smugglers on death row.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the leaders of the "Bali Nine" group of heroin smugglers, were sentenced to death in 2006.

A spokesman for Indonesia's attorney general said that prosecutors had been told to begin preparations but did not set a final date.

The men must be given 72 hours notice of their execution.

"This order has been issued so that the officials make preparations concerning their role," said Tony Spontana, spokesman for the attorney general's office.

Imminent execution

A lawyer for the prisoners has expressed concern over the latest development.

Peter Morrisey told ABC News that the legal process was not yet finished but that it looked as though "the attorney-general's office is determined to press ahead and hustle through."

Both men have already had clemency appeals rejected by Indonesian President Joko Widodo earlier this year.

Mr Widodo, who took office in 2014, has a policy of denying clemency to drug offenders, saying the drug trade has caused huge damage to Indonesia.

Ten prisoners on death row are facing imminent execution for drug-related offences, including people from Brazil, France, Nigeria and the Philippines.

Appeals for clemency have already been rejected by the courts in Indonesia

Local media report that embassy officials representing some of the prisoners have been summoned to meet Indonesian officials on Saturday.

Mr Spontana also confirmed that another death row prisoner, Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, will be moved on Friday to Nusakambangan prison, where executions take place.

The Australian pair are already being held there.

Chan and Sukumaran were arrested in Bali in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin to Australia. A court ruled that they had organised a nine-member smuggling operation.

But their families have argued that they are reformed characters and should be shown mercy. Australia has also mounted a strong diplomatic campaign on their behalf.

Indonesia has faced heavy criticism from other countries whose nationals are facing execution.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-32443037