'Even criminals deserve a second chance'

'Even criminals deserve a second chance'

Indonesia has at least 66 people on death row for drug-related
convictions, of whom several are undergoing lengthy appeals that
may take many years. Last week's controversial execution of
Indian national Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey, 67, took place almost 10
years after a court found him guilty of smuggling 12 kg of
heroin. The Jakarta Post asked some residents why they were
against capital punishment.

Lucky, 20, is a waiter in Manggarai, South Jakarta, where he
shares a house with friends:

However severe someone's crime is, I don't agree with
sentencing them to death, especially if they truly repent and
promise never do it again.

I understand we are facing an increase in drug users and drug-
related crimes, but I also think we should give them a second
chance. They should be given warnings, perhaps twice, and if they
still violate the law, they should only be given a maximum life
sentence.

We should remember that if God can forgive mankind, we should
also be able to show forgiveness among ourselves.

Arwan, 27, attends a cigarette kiosk on Jl. Perdatam, South
Jakarta, where he also lives:

I think this country is making a big mistake in sending people
before the firing squad. Why? Because some of those sentenced to
death are Indonesians, our own brothers and sisters who needed
money, a better life than the one this country can give us.

So they took a shortcut -- they distributed drugs. I think
they only did it for the money, not to take the drugs themselves.

A harsh punishment is necessary to deter foreigners from
coming here and poisoning us all with drugs, but a life sentence
is enough. They will be more useful alive, as they can help the
police.

--The Jakarta Post