PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 21/006/2005

24 March 2005

Further Information on UA 303/04 (ASA 21/048/2004, 10 November 2004) - Imminent execution

INDONESIA Astini (f), aged 49, Indonesian national

Astini was executed by firing squad on 20 March. It is not known where she was put to death, although there have been some reports that it was in West Surabaya, approximately 90km from the prison where she was held.

Newspapers reported that her granddaughter visited her the day before she was put to death. This had been one of her last wishes.

In her last words to the public prosecutor, Astini reportedly expressed the hope that her three children would live a good religious life, and that her husband would continue to raise them well.

Astini was sentenced to death in October 1996. She had been found guilty of murdering three women between August 1993 and January 1996 and of dismembering their bodies. In his mother’s defence Astini’s son said her crimes were a consequence of the family’s poverty.

In October 2004 Astini’s lawyers reportedly presented evidence to the Attorney General’s Office that she had gone through rehabilitation programmes during her time in Malang Women’s prison. They observed that the point of the prison system in Indonesia was to reform prisoners so that they could function in society. They questioned the purpose of Astini’s rehabilitation, if she was still to be executed.

Indonesia has recently increased its use of the death penalty, going against the worldwide trend towards abolition. Three people were executed in 2004; these were the first executions since 2001, prior to which no one had been put to death in Indonesia for six years.

There are now at least 56 people under sentence of death in Indonesia.

Many thanks to all those who took action on this case. If possible, please send a final round of appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Bahasa Indonesia, English or your own language:

- expressing regret at the execution of Astini;

- urging the authorities to commute the death sentences of all other prisoners under sentence of death;

- stating your unconditional opposition to the use of the death penalty for any crime, as a violation of the right to life, emphasising that the death penalty has not been shown to have any special deterrent effect, and calling on the Indonesian government to join the worldwide trend towards the abolition of the death penalty.

APPEALS TO: (fax numbers can be difficult to get through to. Please keep trying)

President

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

President RI

Istana Merdeka

Jakarta 10110

Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 345 2685

+62 21 526 8726

+62 21 345 7782

Salutation: Dear President Yudhoyono

Attorney General

Abdul Rahman Saleh

Jaksa Agung

Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin No. 1

Kebayoran Baru

Jakarta Selantan 12130

Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 725 0213

Salutation: Dear Attorney General

COPIES TO:

Chairman, Komnas HAM (National Commission on Human Rights)

Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara

Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia

Jl Latuharhary No. 4B

Menteng

Jakarta Pusat 10310

Indonesia

Fax: +62 21 392 5227

and to diplomatic representatives of Indonesia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.