British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford has apologized to Indonesians for her involvement in smuggling cocaine into their country. All she asks for is fair punishment, but instead Bali has sentenced her to death by a firing squad.
Even though two others involved in the crime served only short sentences, and Sandiford’s role in the smuggling is under question, the country just rejected her final legal appeal against execution.
Sandiford’s supporters are expressing bewilderment at the severity of her sentence in comparison to those imposed on others involved. And human rights groups believe Sandiford acted only as a “mule” in the operation and was exploited by those higher up on the chain. In fact it was her cooperation with authorities that led to the arrest of two others.
The circumstances of this case demand that Sandiford receive clemency or at least a “sentence proportionate to her offense.” as she requests.
Tell the British Embassy to stand up for grandmother Lindsay Sandiford.
We, the undersigned, believe the circumstances surrounding Lindsay Sandiford’s case warrant a repeal of the death sentence Indonesia has imposed upon her.
Spokesperson Zoe Bedford, of the human rights group Reprieve believes the facts of the case reveal that Sandiford’s involvement in the cocaine smuggling “was merely” as “a mule” and that she was “exploited by those further up the chain who have avoided serious punishment.” Bedford and others have noted that Sandiford has apologized repeatedly to the people of Indonesia for her involvement, and that she “deeply regrets” her actions.
It is also reported that she fully cooperated with law enforcement to help bring to justice others involved in the crime.
Certainly death by a firing squad is considered cruel and unusual punishment for any crime, and Sandiford’s actions don’t warrant a death penalty carried out in any manner..
We request that the Indonesian Government grant leniency, clemensy or at least a fair sentence for Lindsay Sandiford’s offenses.
Thanks for your time.
