I agree with some of you when we consider the whole morality of punishing someone by taking their life ? It's often been argued the financial impost of keeping someone in gaol for the rest of their life, is prohibitive ? That may be so, however the appeal processes in most capital cases would be enormous, given that most appeals would come from the public purse ?

And what alternative do we have in a modern, enlightened society ? Jurisprudence in the United States, does demand that all capital cases require, a full judicial review ? In order that evidence of an exculpatory kind is not overlooked or mislaid ? This is necessary to ensure that an innocent person doesn't forfeit his or her life ?

That's always been the problem with capital punishment ? Any errors of law, or of fact or process, can't be rectified after the fact ? That's why the whole notion of judicially sanctioned executions, should be permanently stayed !

About five years ago I got a shocking phone call from police about a serious crime I was accused of - that I did not commit, and was found to have been lied to by a security officer to get my details.

I had to "defend" myself over the phone, and I put my foot down (as I was shocked). The police officer in question also wanted me to be interviewed at a police station (nowhere near where I lived) and expected me to attend at my own time and expense. After arguing my own case, I still had to have an interview with two police officers. I was not impressed.

The basic element of human rights does not exist (in many crime related incidents) and this includes Australia. The basic position of being "guilty until proven innocent" is worldwide. On this basis, any type of execution should be disowned because of the impacts on individuals, families, and the damage of basic credibility placed on the court system.

I know it's a popular position of many (overseas governments) to put people to death - to get election votes or to be seen to be tough on crime - but what about a case, like mine where I was innocent?

Then there are cases of infringements on human rights where people are put in prison for writing a book for example. Sounds trivial, but one person (Egyptian citizen, Mr Karam Saber) who had written a book questioning religion, (essentially known as a religious defamation) has been made to spend 5 years in prison. See: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/egypt-writer-karam-saber-sentenced-five-years-jail-atheist-book-1451453

To all those who simply support long prison terms (unless there is very strong case for that) or the death penalty I say (no to), don't judge a book by its cover.

o sung wu,

I have no particular knowledge of the subject, a lot of information is publicly available.

It is obvious though that having been loaded by another - the officer in charge of the detail in the British tradition - blank cartridges are only undetectable by the shooter up to the point of firing. That uncertainty should assist getting all aim on target.

It helps to have an interest in history.

Also, while plenty is said about the cost of appeals in the case of capital punishment in the US, comparison also needs to be made with the publicly-funded appeals lodged by others serving lengthy sentences, which are substantial.

While I oppose capital punishment I realise that my position is very weak indeed where disgusting grubs like the two being discussed have shown complete disregard for the harm and deaths they cause to others and the threats they undoubtedly made to others around them, in particular the mules and their families, to force them to carry out their evil enterprises. It is plural 'enterprises' isn't it, because it is alleged that these serious offenders already had form.

Comparisons should also be made with State approved killing we ourselves allow and in some cases have voted for. While I support the availability of abortion for instance, it is very obvious that something is going very wrong indeed where the number of terminations is so high among women who when freely available abortion was proposed, were never imagined to be the main 'beneficiaries' of the facility.

Hi there NATHAN J...

That's a lousy experience you had at the hands of police by the sounds of it, and there's no reasonable explanation either, other than blatant intimidation. It's little wonder many of the public don't wish to co-operate with them, because of their negative attitude. If they wished to interview you at the station, they should pick you up, simple as that ? Unless they thought they'd be able to write the job off, with you as a suspect over the phone, thus not cause you the inconvenience of going to the Station, I don't know ?

Your comments concerning the possibility of these two being innocent, and being put to death, in principle is correct. But specifically, in the case of CHAN and SUKUMARAN, there's no doubt as to their guilt. And my sense is, they will be executed, as it would seem the Indonesian government are very definite about it ! The fact these two will no longer be, is a blessing for the entire community ? However, I do not resile one iota, from my position of abandoning ALL capital punishment sentences, it's as simple as that.

ONTHEBEACH...

I have no knowledge of F/S whatsoever, but this notion of 'blanks' and this 'n that, is more likely a hangover from times past ? It's my understanding that executions in Thailand were previously carried out by a light machine gun ? Now I 'think' they have the needle ?

I couldn't imagine for a moment that any member chosen for a F/S duty would be a 'shrinking violet' ? He/She would be a professional. The whole execution would be dispensed with quite quickly.

Many years ago, when I worked '4 Wheels' (ex coppers would know that term), I was introduced to a older fellow who was the last State executioner at Long Bay Gaol. He said the entire process, from cell to trapdoor, 'til the hanging, was dealt with in just over sixty seconds. Having seen the gallows in 4 Wing at Long Bay, I quite believe it.

Nathan J, so sorry to hear of your trials and tribulations with the law - I know exactly what you are talking about. I was subject to repeated false and milgnant accusations by police and other government bodies, instigated by a pair of monsters - man and wife in their sixties - who had spent years attacking those around them. I was deemed guilty despite no history of crimes, a life spent serving others, and no evidence against me. The intigators, however, had a long and documented history of destroying lives around them because...that's what they love to do. Traumatised and slandered all over the place, I am still trying to come to terms with what was done to me, complete with a heart attack under my belt. There has been no justice.

As for executing prisoners, it is nothing more than state sanctioned murder. Murder is a crime. In some countries you can be murdered for it.

Indonesia has made it quite clear.

"We will not compromise with drug syndicates
and drug dealers."

Their laws will be upheld.