Bali bombers must not feel torture or pain while being shot, says their lawyer

Melbourne, July 29 : Lawyers representing the three Islamic militants who are on death row for the 2002 Bali bombings, have argued that they could suffer unnecessary pain if they do not die immediately when the lethal punishment is carried out.

The plea came ahead of a Constitutional Court challenge that is to be taken up next week.

According to news.com.au, this plea is seen as another attempt to delay the executions of Amrozi, his brother Mukhlas and Imam Samudra, who could be executed at any time over the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people including 88 Australians.

The three will face an Indonesian firing squad, and would be shot a second time if the first bullet does not kill them instantly, their lawyer Mahendradatta said.

He is of the view that those being shot should not be made to suffer pain or torture in the process.

"On Tuesday or Wednesday at least we will submit a material challenge to the Constitutional Court about this law,'' he said.

Mahendradatta's comments could spark anger among the families of the 202 people killed in the Bali bombings organised by the three terrorists, who have never expressed remorse for their non-Muslim victims.

A spokesman for the Attorney-General's Office would not say whether it would delay proceedings.

Lawyers for the three have previously launched legal challenges when their executions have drawn near, resulting in delays.

Security is tight around their island prison home as authorities continue with their preparations for the execution.

Bambang Winahyo, the head of Central Java's Justice Office, said authorities were expecting about 15 supporters of the Islamic hardliners to try to reach Nusakambangan Island, off Central Java.We are coordinating with police to guard the Wijayapura port,'' he said.

ANI