Image source: Andrew Chan’s mother, Helen Chan, at Sydney international airport. Photograph: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE
I have been reading up on reports about Bali Nine members Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, then this photo of Andrew Chan’s mother at the airport waiting to board the plane to Bali caught my eye. In the photo, she is dressed in this top with flowers printed on it, I have seen many women her age in similar clothes. Her hand held on to the stanchions that is actually not going to give her any support, other passengers around her seem to be in a good mood. Of course, most people heading to Bali is probably on holiday. But to Helen Chan, she is the mother whose son is probably going to be executed by death penalty in a few days. This image tells so much more than what the news could have covered. I can not imagine what is going through her mind on this flight to see her son for the last time. It is the kind of situation not many people can comprehend.
I know the logical argument is that Andre Chan did commit a crime. It is the law of Indonesia.
But by death penalty? !
Andrew and Myuran both spend 9 years in prison and each of them has led a life there. Andrew found his faith in Christianity, Myruan got into arts and painting and even received a university degree while he is serving the sentence.The more I read about the different point of views from political parties and governments, the more sadness overwhelms me. Please do not turn this into a political game. Just for once, look at these two individules as human beings with flesh and beating hearts, Just look at this picture of a mother who carries so much sorrow.
I hope in the next few days there is some hope of clemency for these two men. I pray for them to be saved.
LIYANG'S THOUGHTS 