When Justice Speaks in Incomplete Sentences

(10/2/2008)

Indonesia's Attorney General has now confirmed that the notorious and non-repentant Bali bombers – Amrozi Nurhasyim, Imam Samudra and Ali Gufron will probably delay their date with the firing squad until sometime after the Idul Fitri holidays set for October 1 & 2, 2008.

While the reason for the delay remains unclear; it may be tied to desperate attempts by the condemned men to challenge the "humanity" of death before a firing squad. Lawyers for the three are seeking execution by injection while the three have asked for decapitation which they believe conforms with the principles of Islamic law.

Islamic religious practice dictates 30 days of sunrise to sunset fasting ending on October 1, 2008.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's office told Tempo Interaktif that the executions have been delayed to "avoid excesses," saying the executions would be conducted shortly after the Idul Fitri holidays. The official cited "humanitarian considerations" and that executing prisoners is not in keeping with the religious atmosphere of Ramadan. The Attorney General reportedly wishes to let the three observe the Islamic month of introspection and reconciliation before carrying out the death penalty ordered by the Courts.