The GUE/NGL was successful in having the issue of the death penalty in Indonesia added to Thursday afternoon's European Parliament agenda following yesterday's execution of eight drug convicts, including seven foreigners.

GUE/NGL MEP Marie-Christine Vergiat commented: “These executions are supposed to counter the 'national emergency',  in other words, drug abuse in Indonesia according to the country's government. They show complete disregard for due process and human rights safeguards and, in the words of the FIDH (International Human Rights Federation), are a 'shameful stain' on the Indonesian president.”

Two Australians, four Nigerians, one Brazilian and one Indonesian were shot by police firing squads yesterday in the 2nd mass execution this year, bringing the death toll to a total of 14 people in 2015. French citizen Serge Atlaoui, who was originally on the list to be executed, won a two-week reprieve but remains on death row.