Punishment of terrorists

Punishment of terrorists

Rois and Ahmad Hasan, who helped organized the bombing at Australia's embassy in Jakarta, have been sentenced to death by firing squad. The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has welcomed what he calls Indonesia's demonstration of its commitment to the fight against terrorism.

Australia opposes the death penalty, but Downer, speaking of Rois, has said that while Canberra would have asked Jakarta to commute the sentence had he been an Australian, since he is Indonesian no action will be taken.

The stance is good politics -- it will no doubt play well at home and avoid giving offense in Jakarta -- but whatever its superficial advantages, condoning the death penalty cannot be justified.

It is one reason -- of many -- why the death penalty is counterproductive. The U.S. experience shows it does not reduce crime. The voice of opposition to the death penalty should be clear, strong and unambiguous -- even in the face of terrible crimes like the Jakarta bombing. -- The Sydney Morning Herald