The Bali Nine pair are enjoying extra time with their families after their executions were delayed. Source: AAP
ANDREW Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have asked that any representations to save them from execution are made firmly, but with respect.
MELBOURNE barrister Michael O'Connell SC visited the condemned Australians in Kerobokan jail on Thursday, where he said they were remarkably well under the circumstances, but concerned that representations were "firm but respectful".
"I think Andrew and Myuran are very concerned that people remain respectful when they make representations on their behalf," Mr O'Connell said."But of course they want those representations to be firmly made."The pair's concerns follow a sharp reaction from Jakarta to Prime Minister Tony Abbott linking the men's fate to Australia's donation of $1 billion in aid following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.Mr Abbott had said Indonesia should "reciprocate in this way at this time".Indonesia's foreign affairs ministry spokesman, Arrmanatha Nasir, hit back, saying "no one responds well to threats".Mr Abbott on Thursday said he had only meant to recall the long-running friendship of the two nations.Chan and Sukumaran are enjoying a few days' reprieve from the firing squad after Indonesia was caught unprepared for the executions and delayed moving them from their Bali jail cells.Mr O'Connell says the Bali Nine drug smugglers have also been briefed on arrangements for Tuesday's administrative court challenge.A panel of judges will question their lawyers on their argument that President Joko Widodo did not properly examine their requests for clemency before rejecting them.There are reports Mr Joko did not have documentation before him that outlined the men's rehabilitation before he denied them mercy.Mr O'Connell said his clients' case was strong regardless.Mr Joko has already proclaimed publicly that he will reject clemency in all death row drug cases, he said."The public position taken by the Indonesian government and particularly the president ... demonstrates there was not a genuine and realistic consideration of the clemency application that had been made," he said.Indonesia has not announced a new schedule for the men's move from Kerobokan prison, or their execution date.But planning goes on regardless, with more meetings to discuss security arrangements for the Australians' transfer to Nusakambangan island scheduled for Friday.Almost 2500 people were in Melbourne's Federation Square on Wednesday night when a letter from Sukumaran was read."Whatever happens, I know that me and Andrew are good people now, and even though we have been in prison with a death sentence, we have been truly blessed," he wrote.Mr O'Connell said both men were grateful for the public's support."They're humbled really by the depth of support that has been coming from Australia and to some extent in Indonesia as well," he said."They are very grateful for it and they simply wait and hope."
