The move came after Chan’s appeal for clemency was denied by Indonesia yesterday.
Prime Minister Abbott stated that he, along with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, had made representations to Indonesian government representatives at the highest level. He noted that he would continue making “every possible effort through the most effective channels” to stop the executions going ahead.
“[We] oppose the death penalty at home and abroad,” noted Abbott. “While Australia respects Indonesia’s sovereignty, we are asking that Indonesia reconsider its decision to execute two Australian citizens…the government has made representations at the highest levels.”
The Prime Minister also said he had been in touch with the pair’s families earlier today and added that he would see to it that the government continued to offer support. “This is an unimaginably difficult time for the families of these young men,” he said.
Earlier this week, Abbott left open the possibility of Australia recalling its ambassador to Indonesia if the execution of the two Australian Bali nine members were to go ahead.
Meanwhile, ABC reported that the Indonesian attorney-general’s office had received notice that Andrew Chan was set to be executed. However, the report noted that a time and place for the execution had not yet been fixed after the duo were denied presidential pardons.
