A man behind the Bali bombing that killed more than 200 people was found guilty yesterday and sentenced to death. Despite the fact that Australia doesn’t allow the death penalty, a number of politicians here have made rather approving noises about it. For example:
Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has hailed the sentence as a strong and decisive message that Indonesia is determined to pursue terrorists. “We’re very grateful to the Indonesians for the strength of their response,” he said. “This is obviously very good in terms of sending out a strong message from Indonesia that it's determined to fight terrorism.” (ABC online)
The same ABC article suggests that Simon Crean, the Leader of the
Opposition doesn’t approve of the sentence to the same extent
(My view is that he should be thrown in jail and the key thrown
away but the courts have determined otherwise - I won't be seeking to
interfere with it.
) but the radio news this morning made him
sound as one with Downer and Howard.
I certainly think it’s noxious hypocrisy to approve of a result that Australian law forbids.
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