Your comments on capital punishment and the execution of six convicted criminals within last three weeks

Are we to punish or to deter? As punishment, a life sentence is worse punishment, as long as the criminals don't have luxury cells and receive special treatment such as access to mobile phones so they can continue to make mischief.

FERRI LIMPUTRA

Jakarta

Indonesia still needs capital punishment because serious crimes such as murders and drug trafficking continue to happen. Capital punishment deters future crimes.

The important thing is that the courts speed up the execution of criminals on death row, which includes the appeal process to the Supreme Court and to the president for clemency.

In fact, this legal process can take between six and 20 years.

ABDUL RAHIM

Tangerang, Banten

The death penalty also must be implemented for people who are stealing money from the government and from ordinary people; i.e., corruptors at all levels. There is no other way to eradicate corruption.

A, MULDERS

Helden-Panningen, the Netherlands

Does it really work? Check the statistics worldwide and answer honestly; if someone's made a mistake then surely all involved from arrest to execution should suffer the same fate.

CLIFF

Jakarta

I support the death penalty in Indonesia. We are overcrowded with worthless criminals who have no regard for their victims' lives. I don't want my tax money wasted on prisoners.

MARIO

Bandung

Capital punishment is a legal weapon, which is necessary to impart fair justice. It has deterrent, retributive and punitive effects that the state accomplishes in imparting justice on behalf of people whose rights are affected.

Its importance cannot be negated on the basis of human rights consideration because the punishment is for violators of human rights and who surely should be given to most heinous crimes.

HENNA AHLAWALIA

Jakarta

The Australian Coalition against Death Penalty (ACADP) has the deepest sympathy for the families and victims of crime. However, there is no justification for state-sanctioned killing -- a barbaric, brutal, cruel, degrading, inhuman and uncivilized act of vengeance.

It does not bring back the deceased victims, it does not heal emotional and physical wounds, and more importantly it fails our young people to advocate forgiveness, compassion and mercy. The death penalty creates more victims in society: the families and loved ones of the executed offenders.

ACADP respects the laws of Indonesia, but makes a heartfelt plea to the Indonesian Government to spare the lives of the three convicted Bali bombers.

DORINA LISSON

Spokesperson

ACADP

Melbourne

Don't kill terrorists. Just force them to say loudly (forever): "I won't kill" 12 times after waking up, three times at noon and six times at 6 p.m. These are the best times for brainwashing.

HENDRA

Jakarta

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