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Vale, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

It is with heavy hearts we report the execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran has been carried out.

Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have been executed by firing squad in Indonesia.

After an unsuccessful legal battle to save the duo, their executions were two of eight reportedly carried out on at Nusakambangan prison in Indonesia just after midnight at 12.25am Indonesian time (3:35am EST).

The executions apparently happened one after another.

The condemned men reportedly sang Amazing Grace in their final minutes, with Chan and Sukumaran singing the loudest.

 

Irish-born priest Father Charlie Burrows, who was present at the executions, told News Corp the prisoners were tied with cable ties to crosses about four metres apart.

“When they were being put on the cross for execution, they were singing on the crosses and we were in a tent not too far away from the execution place trying to support them,” Father Burrows said.

Illustration by First Dog on the Moon, via Twitter.

 

He said both the men and their advisers in the tent were singing hymns.

Father Burrows said the group sang Amazing Grace a few times and Chan and Sukumaran seemed to have the loudest voices.

Fairfax correspondent Jewel Topsfield reports Chan and Sukumaran, along with the other six prisoners executed this morning, refused to wear blindfolds while facing the firing squad.

One of the prisoners due to be executed, Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso received a last minute stay of execution after Indonesian President Joko Widodo asked the Indonesian Attorney General, H.M. Prasetyo to delay. (For more on Mary Jane Velso, see this post.)

Related content: ‘Boycott Indonesia’: The world reacts to the executions.

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The Australian men were arrested in 2005 after they were caught attempting to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia, as part of the Bali Nine drug smuggling syndicate.

The pair’s legal team, as well as the Australian government and people, made several attempts to appeal for a stay of execution for Chan and Sukumaran.

Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Chan and Sukumaran themselves made direct pleas to the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who remained steadfast in his stance.

A letter from Chan and Sukumaran to the Indonesian government.

The pair served a nearly a decade behind bars at Kerobokan prison, becoming respected members of the prison community – Chan as a teacher and leader of the church service, and Sukumaran as an artist and mentor.

Chan also became a husband prior to his execution, marrying fiancee Febyanti Herewila on Monday night in Besi prison, before his family and friends.

Related content: Andrew Chan has married his partner ahead of his execution.

Andrew Chan and Febyanti Herewila.

Earlier this year, Chan wrote a letter warning young people of the consequences of smuggling drugs.

“I don’t know what choices you guys are making, however, if anything, I would want you guys to remember is, ‘Is it worth it?’” Chan wrote.

“You are still young and you have some serious decisions to make in your life. What you choose today will make what you become tomorrow,” Chan said in his letter.

Myuran Sukumaran became an artist during his prison sentence.

The area outside the prison is reported to be swarming with activity as officials leave. The bodies of the men have not yet been removed.

 

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran on this sad day.

Photos from the Keep Hope Alive vigil in Sydney:

Some of the reactions on social media today:
Read more:

The world reacts to the executions.

Myuran Sukumaran has painted a moving tribute to the Indonesian President.

Who is Andrew Chan’s wife?

The TV moment that left us all in disbelief last night.

This is what the world could lose in 72 hours.

A heroin overdose killed by brother. But I stand for Mercy.’

Australian celebrities plead: “Save our boys, Mr Abbott.”

The self-portrait that says more than a thousand words about how it feels to face death.

“My life is an absolute waste”: A letter from Andrew Chan

Related content: Julie Bishop – “Myuran and Andrew deserve to live.”

Related: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran say goodbye to their families.

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