THE AFRICAN UNION CALLS FOR CLEMENCY FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS CONVICTED OF DRUG-RELATED CRIMES IN INDONESIA

Addis Ababa, 28 April 2015: The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Erastus Mwencha, today, met with the Ambassador of Indonesia to Ethiopia and Representative to the AU, to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The Deputy Chairperson seized the opportunity of the meeting to bring to the attention of the Ambassador the issue of the impending execution of a number of foreign nationals convicted of drug related crimes, including Africans. While reiterating AU’s strong commitment to fighting drug trafficking in all its aspects and its full respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and judiciary, he made an urgent appeal for clemency. He also encouraged Indonesia to consider the possibility of signing prisoners transfer agreements that would make it possible for convicted foreign citizens to serve jail terms in their home countries.

The Ambassador undertook to immediately transmit the AU concerns to the relevant Government authorities in Indonesia through the Foreign Ministry.

The Deputy Chairperson stressed the importance of the partnership between the AU and Indonesia. The two Parties agreed and pledged to work towards the further strengthening of this partnership particularly in the area of prevention of narcotics trafficking and terrorism.

FMK/