Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd’s Statement on Scott Rush
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Statement on Indulgence – Mr Scott Rush
I wish to inform the House that our Ambassador in Indonesia has informed me that the Indonesian Supreme Court has today accepted Scott Rush’s appeal against his death sentence and have instead sentenced him to life.
Australians will greet this decision with relief.
The Australian Government welcomes this decision by the Supreme Court.
It is a bipartisan policy in this country that we oppose the death penalty.
The Government remains in close touch with Mr Rush and his family.
Mr Rush’s parents have been informed.
As parents, they have shouldered a heavy burden over these years of waiting.
There are of course another two Australians on death row in Indonesia and Mr Chan and Mr Sukumaran have also lodged judicial appeals against their death sentences.
We will continue to provide consular support to both men and their families.
Madam Deputy Speaker, having spoken to the Rush family who come from Brisbane, on a number of occasions over the last period of time, I’m sure the family will welcome this decision with great relief.
Scott Rush’s sentence commuted to life in prison
Australians Against Capital Punishment welcome this decision of the Indonesia Supreme Court.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in the campaign during the past years.
From the ABC -
Scott Rush escapes death penalty
By Indonesia correspondent Matt Brown, wires
Bali Nine drug smuggler Scott Rush has been spared the death penalty by a court in Indonesia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd confirmed the decision in Parliament, saying Rush’s appeal against the death sentence had been successful.
Three Supreme Court judges reviewed the case and cut the death penalty back to life in prison.
Rush, 24, had been facing the death penalty for his part in a 2005 plot to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia.
It is understood the Supreme Court has granted his appeal on the basis that he had shown remorse for his actions, while also citing his age at the time as a mitigating factor.
Full story here.
Rush a mere courier, Keelty tells court (ABC)
By Indonesia correspondent Matt Brown
Former Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Mick Keelty has testified Scott Rush was only a minor player in the drug smuggling ring that landed him on death row in Indonesia.
Rush was one of four Australians among the so-called Bali Nine arrested for trying to smuggle heroin through Denpasar Airport in 2005.
His parents looked on today as Mr Keelty told the court hearing Rush’s final appeal against execution that he was not on the AFP’s radar before that fateful drug run.
“He did not know or understand, in my opinion, what the roles of the other people were,” Mr Keelty said.
“His role was a very minimal one.”
Full article here.
Rush case rekindles memories of past executions – from the ABC
By Matt Brown for Correspondents Report
Bali Nine drug smuggler Scott Rush launched his last court appeal against the death penalty in Bali last week.
His argument rests on the fact he was not a major player in the ring and, therefore, does not deserve to die.
ABC Indonesia correspondent Matt Brown was in the court and found himself thinking about the lives he has seen lost and past court-ordered executions.
Full story at the ABC here.
Scott Rush’s final appeal begins today
Everyone from AACP sends their best wishes to Scott’s family and the families of all those facing execution around the world.
From the ABC:
“Convicted Bali Nine drug smuggler Scott Rush is set to launch his final appeal against a death sentence, as other Australian drug smugglers receive small cuts to their 20-year jail terms.”
Read more.
Good Friday Prayer Vigil for Death Row inmates – Graceville
The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of Brisbane
Invites you to
A PRAYER VIGIL
For all those on death row in Indonesia and around the world
GOOD FRIDAY (2 April 2010) at 12 Noon
Christ the King Catholic Church
Churchill Street, Graceville
This is an opportunity to pray for all those waiting on death row around the world, for their families and friends and for the victims of violence and crime.
This vigil is being held in the home parish of Lee & Chris Rush whose son, Scott, is waiting on death row in Indonesia. Lee and Chris will be present unless Scott’s final appeal is being heard.
All are welcome.
More details here.
World Day Against The Death Penalty Rally and Dinner – Sunday October 11th
Australians Against Capital Punishment invite you to join commemorations of the World Day Against the Death Penalty.
Every year, opponents of the death penalty come together to add their voices to the growing international movement for a total abolition of capital punishment.
Justice Must Not Kill
And those who value justice, must not stay silent.
Vigil – 5pm Sunday October 11th at the Lizard, corner of Russell Street and Boundary Street, West End
Speakers include Lee & Christine Rush, whose son Scott faces execution in Indonesia
Stephen Keim, SC, patron of AACP
Maree Klemm, President of the Queensland & Northern NSW branch of Amnesty International
All friends and supporters are then invited to join us for dinner -
6pm at Huong’s restaurant at 83A Vulture Street, West End $25 per head.
– please RSVP by c.o.b. Thursday 8th October for catering purposes.
For more information, or to RSVP please email us on justine.hampson@gmail.com or 0423 709 445. Please specify any dietary requirements.
Rock Against the Death Penalty – updated lineup
Join musical acts Phil Monsour, Steve Towson, Wheatpaste and Brett Fahey as well as speakers including Lee & Christine Rush and Stephen Keim, SC at Australians Against Capital Punishment’s Rock Against the Death Penalty,
Browning Street Studios, 11 Browning St, West End
4pm til 8.30 Sunday August 23rd
For more information, contact Don on 0405 721 617 or don.sinnamon@gmail.com
AACP Concert – 4pm Sunday August 23rd
Australians Against Capital Punishment invite you to a concert to raise awareness of people facing the death penalty around the world.
Come along and hear Steve Towson, Phil Monsour, Protest! and Brett Fahey perform as well as speakers including Lee and Christine Rush, whose son Scott faces execution in Indonesia.
Sunday August 23rd 4pm- 8.30
Browning Street Studios,
11 Browning Street, West End
Entry $12 or $10 concession
For inquiries contact Tina on 0423 709 445 or email: justine.hampson@gmail.com
MP lobbies to lift death sentence (SMH)
Cynthia Banham
June 3, 2009
THE NSW federal MP Chris Hayes has made what is likely to be his last impassioned speech in Parliament before lawyers for Scott Rush file the appeal against his death sentence to the Indonesian Supreme Court.
Mr Hayes said he hoped Rush received “a fair and objective hearing from the Indonesian Supreme Court”.
The MP has campaigned for Rush, the convicted drug mule and member of the Bali nine, since meeting his parents, Christine and Lee, a year ago.
