Human rights expert to testify at appeal

A world renowned human rights law expert is expected to testify at the final appeal of Bali Nine death row inmates Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran on Friday.

William Schabas, director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway, is expected to appear for the Sydney pair's defence in the Denpasar District Court.

Chan, 26, and Sukumaran, 29, were two of nine Australians convicted over a 2005 attempt to smuggle about eight kilograms of heroin out of Bali.

The new appeal, known as a judicial review, seeks to have the pair's death sentences reduced to 20 years' prison.

Former Indonesian Supreme Court judge Yahya Harahap and Kerobokan Prison boss Siswanto have previously testified for the pair's appeal.

Prominent Australian psychologist Paul Mullen is also expected to give evidence at a future hearing.

If the appeal fails the pair will be forced to seek clemency from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who takes a dim view of drug smugglers.

Fellow Bali Nine death row inmate Scott Rush's judicial review is currently being considered by Indonesia's Supreme Court.


(2010-11-05/skynews.com.au)