Statement by OHCHR Spokesperson Rupert Colville on the use of the death penalty in Indonesia

GENEVA (29 April 2015) – “Indonesia appeals for clemency when its own nationals face execution in other countries, so it is incomprehensible why it absolutely refuses to grant clemency for lesser crimes on its own territory. It is extremely regrettable, extremely sad that these people have been deprived of their lives. Under international law, if the death penalty is to be used at all, it should only be imposed for the most serious crimes, essentially those involving intentional killing. Drug-related offenses are not considered to fall under the category of 'most serious' crimes. The High Commissioner, the Secretary-General, and other key United Nations entities urged Indonesia time and time again not to proceed with these executions. We appeal once again most strenuously to Indonesia to reinstate its moratorium on the death penalty.”

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 /rcolville@ohchr.org), Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org)or Cécile Pouilly  (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org)

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