UN Chief Appeals to Indonesia to Stop Planned Executions

Source: AP

The U.N. chief is appealing to Indonesia to stop the planned executions of nine foreigners and one local who were convicted for drug crimes.

A statement from Ban Ki-moon's office says the United Nations opposes the death penalty "in all circumstances."

The executions have caused widespread outcry and threats from France, Australia and others of diplomatic consequences.

Ban is calling on President Joko Widodo to "urgently consider declaring a moratorium on capital punishment in Indonesia, with a view toward abolition."

Indonesian officials have not said when the executions will take place but have vowed to carry them out. Widodo has said Indonesia is suffering a "drug emergency."

The foreigners are three Nigerian men, two Australian men, a Filipino woman, and one man each from Brazil, Ghana and France.

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