Don't kill Bali Nine drug mules: prison chief

Indonesian prison chief testifies that two Australian drug smugglers on death row should not be executed because of their contributions to prison life.

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DENPASAR // The two members of the so-called Bali Nine gang, Andrew Chan, 26, and Myuran Sukumaran, 29, hope to avoid execution and instead receive sentences of 20 years to life for a 2005 attempt to smuggle 8.3 kilograms (18 pounds five ounces) of heroin to Australia from Bali.

The head of Kerobokan prison, Siswanto, told Denpasar district court that the two had contributed to prison life by holding computer and art lessons for fellow inmates.

"Thanks to them, the prisoners have organised their painting exhibition and their artworks have been sold and taken to foreign countries such as Sweden and Denmark," he told the court.

"They are still young. They deserve to be given time to fix their past behaviour. I personally cannot accept it if they are executed," he said.

"I perfectly understand that our country has the death sentence but it should be God who decides whether one should live or not."

The two were present at Friday's session but did not comment. They apologised in court last month and asked to be given a second chance.

Chan said he wanted to live and work as a pastor or counsellor to teach young people not to commit similar mistakes, while Sukumaran said he was sorry and ashamed for his "stupid" behaviour.

Another Bali Nine member, Scott Rush, 24, is also appealing against his death sentence, while five others -- Martin Stephens, Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj and Thanh Nguyen -- are serving life sentences.

Renae Lawrence, the only woman in the group, received 20 years but has had her sentence reduced by almost two years for good behaviour.

The trial resumes on November 5.