BALI 9 TIMELINE By Joshua Ray Nine Australians

BALI 9 TIMELINE By: Joshua Ray

Nine Australians arrested at Despasar airport in Bali APRIL, 17, 2005 Nine Australians are arrested in Bali on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin out of Indonesian customs officers allege four of the group — Martin Stephens, Renae Lawrence, Scott Rush and Michael Czugaj — were found at Denpasar airport with packages of heroin strapped to their bodies. They say another three — Si Yi Chen, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen and Matthew Norman — were arrested at the Maslati Hotel at Kuta Beach in possession of about 300 grams of heroin. Police say two others — Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran — were also arrested at Denpasar airport in relation to those found carrying heroin.

Australian Federal Police confirm involvement August 22, 2005 “We can't pick and choose who we deal with just because of the laws in their countries. ” -Mike Phelan The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirm Indonesian police had been acting on information given to them by Australian authorities. AFP's national manager of border and international investigations, Mike Phelan, says the AFP has not broken any Australian laws by assisting Indonesian police with their investigations. "It's certainly consistent with government policy and with Australian Federal Police guidelines that we have in relation to dealing in transnational crime as where the death penalty may exist, " he said.

Accused file court action against AFP October 7, 2005 Scott Rush and Renae Lawrence commence court action against the AFP, alleging the service was wrong to pass on information to Indonesia that led to their arrests. Their lawyers tell the Federal Court in Darwin that actions by the AFP breached a bilateral treaty that dictates such information can only be released by the attorney-general. But the government says the treaty provision only applies after a suspect is charged. Lawyers for Rush said his father, Lee, contacted the AFP through a lawyer in early April explaining that he feared his son was travelling to Bali to commit a drug offence. The application alleges Lee Rush then received assurances from the AFP that they would tell his son he was under surveillance to dissuade him from going through with the crime. Scott Rush's lawyers said he was never contacted.

Trials commence in Denpasar October 11, 2005 Trials begin in Denpasar for Michael Czugaj and Myuran Sukumaran. October 12, 2005 The trial for Martin Stephens begins. Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen and Tan Duch Thanh Nguyen — the three arrested at the Kuta Beach hotel — appear jointly in a separate trial. October 13, 2005 Trials commence for Andrew Chan and Scott Rush. October 14, 2005 Renae Lawrence's trial begins in Denpasar.

Sentences handed down February 13, 2006 Renae Lawrence and Scott Rush are both sentenced to life in prison by the Denpasar district court. The sentence for Lawrence was a surprise move, as prosecutors had asked for a 20 -year sentence. In both cases, the judges said there was no evidence to back the defendants' claims that they had been forced to carry the drugs under the threat that members of their families would be killed. February 14, 2006 Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad - the first time the Denpasar district court has handed down death sentences for drug trafficking. The court finds Chan and Sukumaran guilty of providing the money, airline tickets and hotels to drug mules. Michael Czugaj and Martin Stephens are sentenced to life imprisonment. February 15, 2006 Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen are sentenced to life in prison.

Bali Nine lodge appeals February 17, 2006 A lawyer for Renae Lawrence lodges an application to appeal her life sentence. Three days later, Scott Rush's lawyers announce they will focus on a plea for clemency to Indonesia's president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, instead of lodging an appeal. The rest of the Bali Nine also lodge applications to appeal their sentences. On April 26, the appeals by Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are rejected by the Bali high court. A day later, the sentences of Lawrence, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen and Si Yi Chen are reduced to 20 years by the court. The life sentences for Rush and Martin Stephens are upheld. Indonesian prosecutors announce on April 29 their intention to appeal against the reduced sentences.

Sentences increased to death penalty September 6, 2006 Scott Rush, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Matthew Norman are sentenced to death after prosecutors appealed against their lighter jail sentences. The life sentence for Martin Stephens is upheld and Michael Czugaj's reduced 20 -year jail term is increased to life. The death sentences for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran remain unchanged. Two days later, Australian prime minister John Howard says it is not the right time to intervene on behalf of the Bali Nine. "There are still matters potentially to be heard before Indonesian courts, " he said. "I don't want any argument being put to those courts by those authorities that in some way the Prime Minister is trying to interfere in the sentencing procedures of the courts in Indonesia. "

Lawyers file further challenges and appeals January 30, 2007 Lawyers for Scott Rush file a constitutional challenge to his death sentence on the basis that the Indonesian constitution states every person has the right to life. Indonesia's constitutional court does not have the power to quash the death sentences so the challenge is dismissed. Rush's lawyers argue that as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Indonesia should reserve the death penalty for the most serious crimes like murder. In December, chief judge Jimly Ashidiqie recommends that Indonesia consider changes to the country's criminal code which would see death row inmates have their sentences commuted to life or 20 years after 10 years of good behaviour behind bars. April 23, 2007 Lawyers for Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Matthew Norman file a separate judicial review appeal of their death sentences.

John Howard raises issue with Indonesian president July 27, 2007 “He understood fully my raising it but he also understood that I was not seeking any reaction from him or any reaction from Indonesia. ” –John Howard Prime minister John Howard says he has raised the issue of the Bali Nine group during talks with Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "I thought it was appropriate to mention the fact that it's an issue that attracts a lot of interest in Australia, " he said.

'Maslati three' death sentences revised to life in prison March 6, 2008 The death sentences for Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Matthew Norman are reduced to life in jail by Indonesia's supreme court. The judicial review is the final appeal in the Indonesian legal system.

Last members of Bali Nine lodge final appeals April 13, 2010 Martin Stephens lodges his request for a judicial review of his life sentence. Ten months later the appeal is rejected. August 13, 2010 Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran lodge judicial review requests of their death sentences. During their appeal the pair express remorse for their crimes and beg forgiveness. The head of Kerobokan prison tells the court Chan and Sukumaran had contributed to prison life by holding computer and art lessons for fellow inmates. August 26, 2010 Scott Rush appears in court for his final appeal, which is bolstered by a letter from the AFP stating he played only a minor role in the drug-smuggling ring. AFP commissioner Mick Keelty testifies in court. The judges' recommendations are passed to the supreme court for a final ruling.

Rush's death sentence reduced May 11, 2011 “That's totally heartbreaking, to think that this young man will have to spend the rest of his life in there. ” -Robert Welfare In a final appeal to the Indonesian supreme court, Scott Rush's death sentence is reduced to life behind bars. For Rush's Australian lawyer, Robert Welfare, the result is heartbreaking. "[I] shed a tear or two, " he said. "I've seen the conditions in Bali prison and I know the conditions that Scott's living in now. "

Chan, Sukumaran lose judicial reviews June 17, 2011 “We'll have to put a powerful case for clemency to the president and that will be what unfolds next. ” The supreme court judges reviewing Andrew Chan's appeal say they find no obvious error in the original decision to impose the death penalty. Laywers are hopeful that he and fellow smuggler Myuran Sukumaran may be granted clemency by the Indonesian president. July 7, 2011 Indonesia's supreme court confirms Myuran Sukumaran will face the firing squad unless president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono grants clemency. The court rejected his judicial review appeal.

Chan, Sukumaran appeal for clemency May 13, 2012 Andrew Chan appeals for Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to pardon him from execution so he can have a chance to live and reform. Kerobokan's prison chief, Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, says the appeal was based on Chan's age. July 9, 2012 Myuran Sukumaran applies for a presidential pardon on the same basis as his co-accused Chan. In December, it appears the two Australians receive a one-year reprieve from their death penalties as the attorney-general's office leaves them off a list of criminals to be executed in 2013.

Lawrence announces plans to seek parole March 5, 2014 “ Renae got 20 years so she can get parole but if there's no money I just don't know how she is going to get parole. ” -Bob Lawrence Renae Lawrence's father appeals to the government to help with legal costs associated with his daughter's bid for parole. Bob Lawrence says the family has already parted with $300, 000 and his daughter put the cost of a lawyer at $100, 000. "We didn't know until a couple of weeks ago that she's due for parole next year, " he said.

President declares 'no mercy' for drug criminals December 11, 2014 In an address to university students, Indonesia's new president Joko Widodo says there will be no mercy for drug-related crimes. Mr Widodo says a number of appeals for clemency have been sitting on the presidential desk for some time.

Sukumaran officially denied a presidential pardon January 7, 2015 The Australian Government confirms Myuran Sukumaran has lost his final avenue, a presidential pardon, for appeal against the death penalty. Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he hopes Sukumaran's execution — and that of Chan — does not go ahead. "We oppose the death penalty for Australians at home and abroad, " he said. "We obviously respect the legal systems of other countries, but where there is an attempt to impose the death penalty on an Australian, we make the strongest possible diplomatic representations. As [Foreign Minister] Julie Bishop has indicated, that's happening right now. "

Abbott appeals over execution January 17, 2015 “Because in the end, mercy has to be a part of every justice system, including the Indonesian one. ”- Tony Abbot Prime Minister Tony Abbott appeals directly to Indonesian president Joko Widodo to show mercy to Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said the Government would continue to make representations to seek to avoid the execution of the two Australians. Three days later, Mr Abbott renews his written plea to Mr Widodo to accept requests for clemency on behalf of the pair.

Chan also denied presidential pardon January 22, 2015 Andrew Chan's plea for presidential clemency is rejected, meaning both he and Myuran Sukumaran could face the firing squad within weeks. The rejection of Chan's clemency plea effectively means the men have exhausted their avenues of legal and presidential appeal. However, as a last-ditch effort, lawyers for the pair launch an attempt to have a judicial review of their entire cases from their legal proceedings through to their clemency bids.

Chan, Sukumaran file application for judicial review January 30, 2015 The death row inmates officially file applications for a judicial review of their cases. Denpasar district court spokesman Hasoloan Sianturi says the application will be considered by the chairman in reference to Indonesian law and in consultation with the country's supreme court. Five days later, the court denies Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran the chance to have another judicial review "since no new evidence is provided by the convicts".

Chan, Sukumaran placed in next round of executions February 2, 2015 The Indonesian government confirms the two convicted drug smugglers will be put to death in the next round of executions. The first round of executions under president Joko Widodo took place on January 18, 2015. No decision is made on when the executions will take place but the pair could get as little as 72 hours' official notice of their execution. Four days later, the Indonesian foreign affairs ministry confirms to the Australian embassy in Jakarta that Chan and Sukumaran are due to face a firing squad in February. However, the attorney-general's office, which is responsible for organising executions, is yet to decide on a date.

Lawyers launch challenge against president February 9, 2015 “We will challenge the rejection of the clemency issued by the president, or made by the president. ” -Todung Mulya Lubis Lawyers for Chan and Sukumaran launch a rare challenge against the Indonesian president's refusal to grant them pardons. Their lawyer, Todung Mulya Lubis, says their "last chance" is to challenge president Joko Widodo's decision in an administrative court — a move that has rarely been attempted. "We have done almost everything and now we are planning to file another claim to the administrative court in Jakarta, " Mr Mulya said. Two days later, attorney-general Muhammad Prasetyo dismisses the attempt at another legal challenge, saying it is not possible to challenge the president. "Clemency is a prerogative right that cannot be obstructed by anybody, cannot be challenged by anybody. It's a prerogative right, " Mr Prasetyo said.

Widodo defends refusal to grant clemency February 12, 2015 “The decision to give the death sentence wasn't the president's, it was the judge in the court. The president is just not giving forgiveness, not giving any clemency. ” – Joko Widodo Indonesian president Joko Widodo defiantly defends his reasons for refusing to grant clemency to convicted drug smugglers on death row. Mr Widodo, who has a policy of denying clemency for all drug offenders, says he has rejected 64 bids for clemency and is not forgiving any drug criminal. Later that day the head of the Bali prosecutor's office confirms he has received permission to transfer Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran out of Kerobokan prison so they can be taken away for execution. No date has yet been set for the executions.

Abbott references tsunami relief in renewed clemency plea; executions delayed February 18, 2015 “No-one responds well to threats. . . I hope the statement does not reflect the true colours of Australians. ” - Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir Prime Minister Tony Abbott urges Indonesia to remember the contribution Australia made to the tsunami relief effort in 2004 and spare the lives of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. "When Indonesia was struck by the Indian Ocean tsunami Australia sent a billion dollars' worth of assistance, " Mr Abbott said. "We sent a significant contingent of our armed forces to help in Indonesia with humanitarian relief. " But Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir warned threats were not part of diplomatic language. "No-one responds well to threats, " he said. "OK, it will be difficult for me or for Indonesia to see that any fallout in a bilateral relationship only affects one country. I hope the statement made does not reflect the true colours of Australians. " The call comes as Indonesia's attorney-general announces that plans to move Chan and Sukumaran to the island prison Nusa Kambangan in preparation for their executions will be postponed.

Challenge against clemency refusal dismissed February 24, 2015 An Indonesian court throws out an appeal to examine the way in which the country's president considered the clemency request for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. A preliminary hearing in the state administrative court heard arguments that president Joko Widodo should reconsider clemency for the Australians. But Justice Hendro Puspito says the court does not have the authority to try the case, that clemency is a gift from the president, and that right is not part of an administrative dispute. President Joko Widodo insists Jakarta will push ahead with the executions. "The first thing I need to say firmly is that there shouldn't be any intervention towards the death penalty because it is our sovereign right to exercise our law, " Mr Widodo said. The Bali Nine pair have two weeks to file an appeal against the court's dismissal

Jakarta governor comes out against death penalty March 1, 2015 An influential Indonesian politician and trusted confidant of president Joko Widodo comes out against the death penalty in a rare public announcement. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, is the governor of Jakarta – one of the country's most high-profile positions. Mr Widodo, a former governor of Jakarta himself, is standing by his decision to not grant clemency to drug traffickers on death row including Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. But Mr Purnama has asked his close friend to reconsider, saying he disagreed with capital punishment because inmates could change into "someone better".

Chief prosecutor says pair 'to be transferred within 48 hours' March 2, 2015 Bali's chief prosecutor says he plans to transfer Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran out of their Bali prison in the next 48 hours in preparation for their executions. Momock Bambang Samiarso is charged with the responsibility of transferring the men to an island prison off Java to face a firing squad. The two Bali Nine members were due to be taken away to the island last month before the move was postponed. Mr Momock now says he has an order to transfer them this week, and plans to do so tonight or tomorrow night.

Chan, Sukumaran leave Kerobokan prison March 3, 2015 Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are moved from Kerobokan prison to be flown to the island jail where they are scheduled to face the firing squad. The men left the Bali jail compound in a police armoured vehicle. Minutes before the transfer Chan's brother Michael was denied access Kerobokan prison. Lawyers for the inmates are still attempting a legal appeal

Bishop suggests prisoner swap March 5, 2015 Foreign Minister Julie Bishop makes an eleventh-hour bid to save Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, suggesting repatriating three convicted Indonesian drug criminals in return for the lives of the two men. It is understood Indonesia did not accept the offer during a tense phone call between Ms Bishop and her Indonesian counterpart. Relatives of the two arrive in Central Java to visit before the executions. Meanwhile, Australia lodges an official complaint to the Indonesian government over photos of the Denpasar police chief posing with Chan and Sukumaran. The photos have been published in local and international media of Commissioner Djoko Hari Utomo on the flight with the pair from Kerobokan prison in Bali to Central Java.

Executions put on hold until legal avenues explored March 6, 2015 Tony Spontana, a spokesman for attorney-general Muhammad Prasetyo, says the government has put the executions on hold until all legal avenues are explored. They include the challenge to a court decision made by lawyers for Chan and Sukumaran, as well as appeals for French and Brazilian nationals. Mr Spontana says he cannot put a timeframe on how long the process of review might take. Speaking after the announcement, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she hopes the delay represents "a change of mind".

Relatives visit inmates on Nusakambangan March 9, 2015 Five relatives pay their first visit to Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran since they were moved to the prison island of Nusakambangan. Until now, the men have only been allowed visits from Australia's consul-general to Bali and lawyers. Multiple members of each family were allowed to go to Nusakambangan and were to spend up to four hours there.

Senior Islamic cleric, Branson call for clemency March 11, 2015 Australia's most senior Islamic cleric travels to the Indonesian capital to plead for the lives of Chan and Sukumaran. Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, meets with Indonesia's religious affairs minister Lukman Saifuddin to urge the Indonesian government to show mercy. His call joined that of Sir Richard Branson, who also spoke out in his role as a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy. Sir Richard and fellow commissioners have written to Indonesian president Joko Widodo, saying the impending execution of 10 prisoners for drug crimes — including Chan and Sukumaran — is a barbaric and inhumane form of punishment.

Legal appeals could delay executions for months March 14, 2015 Indonesian attorney-general Muhammad Prasetyo tells Indonesia's respected journalism group Tempo the next round of executions will be carried out once all of the condemned inmates have finished their appeals. That is a process that could take months to resolve. Earlier this week Mr Prasetyo left open the option of dividing up the group of 11 as individual appeals are completed. However, his latest comments mean Chan and Sukumaran could be spared from the firing squad for months, while other foreigners on death row beside them pursue judicial reviews of their cases.

Chan, Sukumaran's cases adjourned March 19, 2015 A lawyer representing Chan and Sukumaran begins their appeal against the administrative court's decision to deny them a chance to challenge the Indonesian president's refusal to consider granting them clemency. Lawyers for president Joko Widodo argue the court was right to determine it does not have the jurisdiction and instead the supreme court has already ruled that presidential clemency cannot be challenged. But lawyers for the two Australian drug smugglers are pressing ahead, saying they are challenging the process. The case has been adjourned until March 25, with two more hearings to follow, before a decision in early April. it was then again adjourned to March 30 after the pairs' lawyers could not produce a key witness.

Lawyers confident after witness testifies March 30, 2015 Lawyers for Chan and Sukumaran were confident they made a strong case to challenge the president's refusal to grant them clemency. The dean of Law from Ekasakti University, Dr Otong Rosadi, testified as an expert witness for the pair, who attempted to convince the administrative court to hear a challenge against the president's refusal to grant clemency. The court previously deemed it did not have the authority to hear a challenge. But Dr Rosadi told the court there was no power that could not be accounted for and said the court was the right place to review the president's decision.

Indonesian court rejects appeal April 6, 2015 The Indonesian administrative court rejected Chan and Sukumaran's appeals against the president's refusal to grant them clemency. Three judges said clemency fell under the constitution but not under administrative law, and so was not in their jurisdiction. The court said it could only hear matters to do with regulations created by parliament or government. In their verdict, the judges dismissed expert witness testimony provided by Mr Widodo's lawyers because they did not appear in person. Lawyers for the pair said they were disappointed in the verdict and vowed to continue to pursue all legal options to save Chan and Sukumaran. Another of the pair's lawyers, Michael O'Connell, said in the next few days the pair's Indonesian legal team would lodge an application in

Formal notification of execution given April 25, 2015 Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran received formal notification they will be executed soon. Indonesian government officials called consular teams for all foreigners due to be executed to explain rules and processes, including how death row prisoners' "last requests" would be met. Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran received a briefing from their lawyers on the intentions of Indonesian authorities during a visit to the prison island of Nusakambangan. Although the prisoners have been told they will be executed and that "the soonest " will be in three days, Indonesian officials stress that the "72 -hour rule" is only a minimum and does not prevent the government waiting longer if it chooses.

Execution by firing squad April 29, 2015 Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are executed by firing squad alongside six other death row inmates on Nusakambangan island in central Java. Filipina Mary Jane Veloso is spared. Two nights before his execution, Chan married his fiancée Febyanti Herewila in a prison ceremony. In his final days Sukumaran painted poignant artworks entitled The second last day and One Heart, One Feeling in Love, which was signed by all nine prisoners who faced the firing squad alongside the Australians.