BLOOD ON ITS HANDS

Abstract

The actions of the Australian Federal Police, in providing to the Indonesian National Police the identity of eight Australian citizens, comprising eight of the Bali Nine, and the details of their intended crime, exposing them to the death penalty, can never be justified. This paper will argue that inferences and implications arising from Australian legislation and guidelines impose restrictions on cooperation with foreign nations, where such cooperation could lead to the death of an Australia citizen. Furthermore, it will be argued that the Australian Federal Police possessed more than sufficient evidence to justify the apprehension of those eight Australian citizens. The Australian Federal Police continue to contend that they would act, in similar circumstances, in the same way. Therefore, immediate steps must be taken to ensure that no Australian citizen is ever again exposed to the risk of the death penalty in similar circumstances.