Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission welcomed the Indonesian Supreme Court’s decision to reduce Scott Rush’s death sentence to life imprisonment, but insisted that it must continue its support for Scott Rush and for the other Australians who are still on death row in Indonesia.

The Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that life imprisonment in Indonesia for Scott Rush was not acceptable.

“We are, of course, happy that Scott Rush will not have to worry about facing a firing squad any more, but life in prison in Bali is still a dreadful prospect,” Mr Arndt said.

“We know that Scott and his family have been greatly supported by the prayers and practical help of so many people over the last few years, but they now face the stark reality of Scott living for the rest of his life in the most appalling conditions,” he said.

“At our recent Good Friday prayer vigil, we learned how concerned Scott’s parents are over the living conditions in Scott’s Bali prison,” he said.

“We will look at what support we can give to them to get a reasonable and appropriate outcome for Scott,” he said.

“Those who have faithfully come to the Commission’s Good Friday vigils and our monthly prayer vigils will know that we have not only been praying for Scott, but also for the other two Australians on death row in Indonesia and for everyone on death row around the world,” he said.

“Our prayers and our action must continue for them too,” he said.

“We must continue to promote the sanctity of life and the human dignity of every person including those who have committed the most horrible crimes,” he said.

The Commission’s next death penalty prayer vigil will be held at Christ the King Church, Churchill Street, Graceville at 7 p.m. on Tuesday 24 May.

For further information, please contact Peter Arndt on (07) 3336 9173 or 0409 265 476.

NB  This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right.  The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.