Remembering Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran

Today marks the ninth anniversary of the deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, executed by firing squad in Indonesia, alongside six other people.

We remember them, along with every person who has died at the hands of a retributive state, and the families and friends who are left to mourn their loss.

Andrew and Myuran were arrested in 2005 in Bali, Indonesia with seven other Australians for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin to Australia. In 2006, they were found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to death. Andrew and Myuran were executed on 29 April 2015, aged just 31 and 34 respectively.

During their time in prison, both Andrew and Myuran turned their lives around despite adversity. They were role models to other prisoners and proof that even those living under the cruellest of circumstances can build a more thoughtful and compassionate community. Andrew and Myuran believed that anyone has the capacity to change if they are given the chance to do so.

Sadly, and needlessly, their story of reform and redemption had a tragic end, but it galvanised those who oppose the barbaric practice of state-sanctioned execution. We believe that states can also change in positive ways and the global trend towards abolition is proof of this.

While CPJP has existed since 2001, previously as Reprieve Australia, the deaths of Andrew and Myuran reinforced our resolve. We will keep working, alongside our allies across the world, to create a future without the death penalty.

Read more in our full newsletter from 29 April 2024 here.