TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond condemned Wednesday the country's imposing death penalty on convicts during his visit to Jakarta.
“We affirm UK and European Union’s stance against death penalty,” said Hammond in a press conference with Foreign Minister Retno Leastari Priansari Marsudi.
He also tweeted through his twitter account @PhammondM, “In Indonesia and have raised UK opposition to death penalty with Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Foreign Minister Ibu Retno.”
Retno confirmed that Hammond expressed his concerns on death penalty, but stressed to whomever voicing similar concerns she would explain Indonesia’s policy on drug crimes from the aspects of emergency law and legal rights given to every person.
“Our stance is consistent. We explain the same position to every country that expresses their concerns,” said Retno.
When asked whether the death penalty would become a diplomatic issue for Indonesia, Retno said her job as a diplomat was to explain the government’s policy. “I’ve already done that and I will explain to the world about Indonesia’s policy regarding drug offenses,” said Retno.
Lindsay June Sandiford, 59, a British national, was sentenced to death in January 2013. She was arrested at Ngurah Rai Airport on May 19, 2012 for bringing 4.8 kg cocaine.
NATALIA SANTI
