Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 6, 2006 13:28:37 GMT -5
PM urged to appeal for clemency if death penalty imposed on drug smugglers
The World Today - Wednesday, 6 September , 2006 12:18:00
Reporter: Gail Burke
ELEANOR HALL: The family priest for Scott Rush and Michael Czugaj says the Prime Minister should make an appeal for clemency, if the men are shifted to death row.
Father Tim Harris says it's a very anxious time for both families.
He's been speaking here to reporter Gail Burke.
TIM HARRIS: Well, I've spoken to both the Czugaj and Rush families this morning, and they're holding up fairly well. I mean, I think that the big question is one of clarification, that is to find out whether they are in fact, at least whether Scott in fact is going to receive the death penalty.
Michael, as I understand it, is the next cab off the rank. So I think clarification's got to be sought before that.
GAIL BURKE: They've been in contact with the Foreign Affairs Department, have they?
TIM HARRIS: Yes, they have. They've spoken to several government officials. Indeed about 10 to 15 minutes ago the Attorney-General's Department made contact with Lee, and have assured them that they are on top of this latest development.
GAIL BURKE: There was speculation that Scott wouldn't appeal his sentence. Did Scott end up appealing his life sentence?
TIM HARRIS: Uh, that, as I understand it, has been the case. Indeed, that's why he's in the present predicament. I think initially there was that uncertainty whether he would or not, but now of course he and I think it's three others are now, as we are hearing, perhaps are going to fact the death penalty.
So… but there was always that risk, and I think the family knew that there would be a risk, particularly if they were to do as they have done.
GAIL BURKE: They obviously must be feeling it was a bit of a mistake now, though?
TIM HARRIS: Well, I think, you know, when your back's against the wall, literally, you take all avenues, and I think you're advised, aren't you, by people who should know. You know, you're sort of, you'd think, wouldn't you, that the Rush's lawyers would've been the people who were making the recommendations to the family.
So I'm not sure that they're into the blame game at the moment. I think what they would like to see is, you know, is certainly their children… you know, talking about the Rush family in particular, I think they would like to see their son home with them, in Australia, certainly, to face their justice in Australia, I think that's the desired outcome at the moment. But this latest development has certainly thrown the cat amongst the pigeons, literally.
GAIL BURKE: Yes, because there's been comment that if it is a death sentence there won't be, of course, a prisoner transfer for anybody who's on death row.
TIM HARRIS: Well, I think that would be a disaster, and my only thought there is that, you know, if this is the case then I think the Prime Minister needs to get onto the phone to the Indonesian Prime Minister and see if some clemency can be arranged.
I mean, this goes… this will have far-reaching consequences, I believe, not only for the families, but also I believe for Indonesian and Australian relationships.
ELEANOR HALL: And that's Father Tim Harris, speaking in Brisbane to Gail Burke.
© 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The World Today - Wednesday, 6 September , 2006 12:18:00
Reporter: Gail Burke
ELEANOR HALL: The family priest for Scott Rush and Michael Czugaj says the Prime Minister should make an appeal for clemency, if the men are shifted to death row.
Father Tim Harris says it's a very anxious time for both families.
He's been speaking here to reporter Gail Burke.
TIM HARRIS: Well, I've spoken to both the Czugaj and Rush families this morning, and they're holding up fairly well. I mean, I think that the big question is one of clarification, that is to find out whether they are in fact, at least whether Scott in fact is going to receive the death penalty.
Michael, as I understand it, is the next cab off the rank. So I think clarification's got to be sought before that.
GAIL BURKE: They've been in contact with the Foreign Affairs Department, have they?
TIM HARRIS: Yes, they have. They've spoken to several government officials. Indeed about 10 to 15 minutes ago the Attorney-General's Department made contact with Lee, and have assured them that they are on top of this latest development.
GAIL BURKE: There was speculation that Scott wouldn't appeal his sentence. Did Scott end up appealing his life sentence?
TIM HARRIS: Uh, that, as I understand it, has been the case. Indeed, that's why he's in the present predicament. I think initially there was that uncertainty whether he would or not, but now of course he and I think it's three others are now, as we are hearing, perhaps are going to fact the death penalty.
So… but there was always that risk, and I think the family knew that there would be a risk, particularly if they were to do as they have done.
GAIL BURKE: They obviously must be feeling it was a bit of a mistake now, though?
TIM HARRIS: Well, I think, you know, when your back's against the wall, literally, you take all avenues, and I think you're advised, aren't you, by people who should know. You know, you're sort of, you'd think, wouldn't you, that the Rush's lawyers would've been the people who were making the recommendations to the family.
So I'm not sure that they're into the blame game at the moment. I think what they would like to see is, you know, is certainly their children… you know, talking about the Rush family in particular, I think they would like to see their son home with them, in Australia, certainly, to face their justice in Australia, I think that's the desired outcome at the moment. But this latest development has certainly thrown the cat amongst the pigeons, literally.
GAIL BURKE: Yes, because there's been comment that if it is a death sentence there won't be, of course, a prisoner transfer for anybody who's on death row.
TIM HARRIS: Well, I think that would be a disaster, and my only thought there is that, you know, if this is the case then I think the Prime Minister needs to get onto the phone to the Indonesian Prime Minister and see if some clemency can be arranged.
I mean, this goes… this will have far-reaching consequences, I believe, not only for the families, but also I believe for Indonesian and Australian relationships.
ELEANOR HALL: And that's Father Tim Harris, speaking in Brisbane to Gail Burke.
© 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation