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