Remembering Andrew and Myuran on the anniversary of their deaths by execution

Today marks the ninth anniversary of the deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, executed by firing squad in Indonesia, alongside six other people.

We remember them, along with every person who has died at the hands of a retributive state, and the families and friends who are left to mourn their loss.

Andrew and Myuran’s story

Andrew and Myuran were arrested in 2005 in Bali, Indonesia with seven other Australians for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin to Australia. In 2006, they were found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to death. Andrew and Myuran were executed on 29 April 2015, aged just 31 and 34 respectively.

During their time in prison, both Andrew and Myuran turned their lives around despite adversity. They were role models to other prisoners and proof that even those living under the cruellest of circumstances can build a more thoughtful and compassionate community. Andrew and Myuran believed that anyone has the capacity to change if they are given the chance to do so.

Their lasting impact

Sadly, and needlessly, their story of reform and redemption had a tragic end, but it galvanised those who oppose the barbaric practice of state-sanctioned execution. We believe that states can also change in positive ways and the global trend towards abolition is proof of this.

While CPJP has existed since 2001, previously as Reprieve Australia, the deaths of Andrew and Myuran reinforced our resolve to fight for the universal abolition of the death penalty. Many of you would have come across us during the Mercy Campaign we ran in 2015 to appeal for clemency for Andrew and Myuran. We thank you for your incredible show of solidarity at the time – more than 250,000 people signed the petition – and your continued support for our mission.

Information sharing still risks lives

One of the legacies of Andrew and Myuran’s case is the involvement of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in notifying the Indonesian authorities of their plans. This resulted in their arrest, along with the seven other individuals who came to be known as the ‘Bali 9’. In 2015, researcher Sarah Gill revealed that, from 2009 to 2014, “the AFP knowingly exposed about 1800 people to the risk of execution by sharing intelligence with death penalty states.”

CPJP remains concerned that, despite Australia’s clear, bipartisan position to oppose the death penalty “in all circumstances for all people,” the AFP continues to share information with their counterparts in countries that retain the death penalty for drug offences, as revealed in Senate Estimates in relation to Myanmar.

Such information sharing puts people at risk of facing a death sentence, in direct contradiction of Australia’s policy. It is something that CPJP is lobbying our government to change by amending relevant legislation to ensure this cannot occur.

To help us fund such activities, Myuran’s family generously worked with us to turn several beautiful pieces of Myuran’s artwork into t-shirts and a tote bag that can be purchased here. All profits go towards our lifesaving work.

Watch: GUILTY

The film GUILTY, which recreates the final 72-hours of Myuran’s life, was released in 2018 on World Day Against the Death Penalty, 10 October. Thanks to the great care and skill of the filmmakers and cast, it is a moving and difficult watch – we highly recommend it.

Read: The Penalty is Death

All proceed from book sales are generously donated to CPJP by Barry Jones AC.