I would like to express the German Government’s shock that six death sentences were carried out in Indonesia. The death penalty is an inhumane and cruel form of punishment the use of which we oppose, whatever the circumstances.

Germany supports the Indonesian Government’s efforts to combat trade in illegal drugs. Nevertheless, findings cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent.

In past years we have seen Indonesia be a pioneer in many aspects of protecting human rights, both in South East Asia and amongst majority-Muslim countries around the world.

We call on Indonesia to strive to also play this role in the sphere of justice and criminal law, to respect the right to life and to return to a de facto moratorium on the death penalty. The German Government will continue to consistently push for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.