The Indonesian executions went ahead this morning despite a dramatic joint plea for clemency from Australia, France and the European Union.

“It is not too late to change your mind,” the three governments told Indonesian President Joko Widodo just hours before the state-mandated killings of the eight condemned prisoners. “It is our hope that Indonesia can show forgiveness.” 

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But the plea fell on deaf ears, despite a thinly-veiled warning that executions would damage Indonesia’s reputation and international relationships.

 “In filing this petition, we ask Indonesia also reflect the impact on Indonesia’s position in a globalized world and an international reputation,” the statement said. 

“We support Indonesia’s efforts to obtain forgiveness for its citizens abroad. Stopping this execution will help those efforts.”

They urged President Widodo to urgently consider declaring a moratorium on the death penalty in his country.

 “We fully respect the sovereignty of Indonesia,” the joint plea said. “But we are against the death penalty in our country and abroad.”

The failed plea said the executions would “not achieve anything”, neither deterring drug traffickers nor stopping drug abuse.