A grim milestone: Ten years since Andrew and Myuran were executed

Exactly ten years ago, on 29 April 2015, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed by firing squad in Indonesia, alongside six other men.

On this sombre occasion, we remember them and continue our fight for a world without the death penalty.

Andrew and Myuran’s story is well known to most Australians, and to many people around the world. They were arrested in 2005 in Bali, Indonesia with seven other Australians for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin to Australia. All were convicted, but only Andrew and Myuran were executed, aged just 31 and 34 respectively. Those who remained in prison returned home just in time for Christmas last year.

Before their deaths, both men transformed their lives. They demonstrated that anyone has the capacity to change if they are given the chance to do so, and became role models to other prisoners.

Myuran became an artist while on death row, producing hundreds of paintings and teaching others. His second-last painting (pictured) is inscribed with the words Satu Hati, Satu Rasa Di Dalam Cinta (One Heart, One Feeling in Love). The back of the canvas bears the signatures of all of the prisoners executed with him.

Andrew and Myuran’s story of reform and redemption ended tragically – and needlessly – yet it galvanised those who oppose the barbaric practice of state-sanctioned execution. We believe states can also change in positive ways and the global trend towards abolition is proof of this.

Their deaths also strengthened CPJP’s resolve to fight for a world without the death penalty.

Myuran’s family generously worked with us to transform several beautiful pieces of his artwork, including the ‘One Heart’ painting shown above, into t-shirts and a tote bag. All profits support our lifesaving work challenging the death penalty worldwide.

Buy a t-shirt or tote bag

Watch: GUILTY

Recreating the final 72 hours before Myuran and Andrew’s executions, GUILTY is moving and difficult to watch – we highly recommend it. The film was released on 10 October 2018 to mark World Day Against the Death Penalty.

Watch GUILTY

Still from GUILTY. Photo by Peter Milne.

Read: The Penalty is Death

Released in 2022, this is an updated edition of the classic study of capital punishment, with a new introduction by Barry Jones AC. The Penalty is Death was originally published in 1968 in the aftermath of the hanging of Ronald Ryan, the last person to be executed in Australia.

Drawing on a wide range of historical and contemporary sources, it presents an overview of the legal, political and philosophical arguments for and against capital punishment, as well as firsthand accounts of executions and their aftermaths.

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

Buy The Penalty is Death

Support: Help Elke raise $2,000

Dedicated CPJP volunteer Elke is running a half-marathon (again!) to raise $2,000 for our cause. We’re deeply grateful to Elke and to everyone who contributes. Every donation makes a big difference!

Contribute to Elke’s fundraiser

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