Rites of Propiation II

The article below highlights to me the difference between a rigid inflexible system such as Singapore and a flexible system such as Indonesia.

Co-operate, be polite and the death penalty is less likely.

Bali Nine told co-operate or die from www.heraldsun.com.au
By CARLY CRAWFORD
22jan06

THE head judge in the court trying the Bali Nine has indicated that those who do not co-operate with authorities could face a death penalty.

Chief judge Putu Widnya, who will sentence Australians Renae Lawrence and Michael Czugaj, said judges would look favourably on those who have helped authorities when deciding their sentence.

He expected Lawrence and Czugaj, being tried in the Denpasar District Court, to benefit.

"They are co-operative and that will be part of the consideration," he said.

"It will help; any co-operation helps. It is always a factor.

"I have heard that others like Myuran Sukumaran have not co-operated, so they will not have the same benefit."

The Balinese judge implored Aussies not to be deterred from visiting the troubled island.

But he warned they should be aware of the rules surrounding drug smuggling.

"I hope that Australians are aware that the penalties in Indonesia can be severe -- even death. We have put this notice everywhere in the street and in the airports," Widnya said. "We are welcoming all Australians coming to Indonesia.

"Bali has become familiar to many Australians, but don't take any drugs from here to Australia or from Australia."

He would not comment on whether he thought the death penalty was appropriate punishment for convicted drug smugglers.

Last month, Sukumaran -- an alleged mastermind of the failed heroin smuggling operation -- refused to answer questions, saying he suffered amnesia.

Prosecutors are scheduled to make their sentencing recommendations in the cases of Czugaj and Lawrence on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.