Australia called on Indonesia on Friday to reconsider its decision to execute two Australians convicted of drug offences, a move that is likely to strain already fragile ties between the two neighbours.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the two members of the so-called Bali Nine who were arrested at Bali's Denpasar airport in 2005 for attempting to smuggle 8 kg (18 lb) of heroin to Australia were reformed characters who had helped rehabilitate other prisoners.
"The prerogative of mercy should be extended to them," Abbott said in a statement. "Australia opposes the death penalty at home and abroad."
Indonesia executed six convicted drug traffickers, including five foreigners, by firing squad last week. Brazil and the Netherlands recalled their ambassadors from Jakarta, while Nigeria summoned the Indonesian ambassador in Abuja to protest against the execution of their citizens.
Abbott said he and Foreign Minister Julia Bishop had made direct representations to their Indonesian counterparts and "are continuing to make every possible effort through the most effective channels" to stop the executions of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.
Bishop said earlier this week she would not rule out recalling the Australian ambassador should the executions be carried out.
Indonesia has a record of imposing severe penalties for drug trafficking, resuming executions in 2013 after a five-year gap.
Indonesia froze military and intelligence cooperation with Australia and restored relations in May 2014.
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