As the grim count down to the execution by firing squad of the Bali Nine ringleaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, on Tuesday looms, spontaneous vigils have sprung up in communities around Australia and on social media. In a groundswell of support, anger and disbelief, people have shared images of candles with the hash tag #istandformercy and #keephopealive. Vigils have been arranged in communities around the country on Monday. In Sydney the word hope has been spelled out with flowers at a harbourside vigil.
Earlier on Monday artist Ben Quilty, who spent time with Myuran Sukumaran as he developed his passion for painting, wrote a Facebook post that has been liked nearly 7000 times.
“Myu is ok. He is ready for what is to come. But with his passing my world will take a dark plunge backwards.
Myu has inadvertently brought together so many compassionate and forgiving people, around the world, and together we will all ensure that compassion continues to flourish. I hope that in the future, in this country, no young man is victimised by the media the way Myu and Andrew were. The Enforcer? The only thing Myu enforced in me is that compassion is at the core of a healthy society. Myu made terrible mistakes. So did I, but his family and his friends will pay a dreadful price for his youthful self-indulgence. And so will Myu.”
The two men have made their final requests, Myuran Sukumaran asked to be able to paint for as long as possible, Andrew Chan asked to spend time with his family in church.
A candle for Myuran and one for Andrew. #KeepHopeAlive #IStandForMercy pic.twitter.com/UOc3uzxMJU
— iMaj-N (@iMajN2) April 27, 2015
@MercyCampaign I may be indoors and at work, without a candle or matches but… #IStandForMercy #ChanSukumaran pic.twitter.com/frBnT2WVs5
— Jeff Addison (@Jeffrey_Addison) April 27, 2015
#IStandForMercy pic.twitter.com/gHrI4LqAM7 — Jean Paul (@jeanlpaul) April 27, 2015
#Istandformercy beside many at the vigil this evening. pic.twitter.com/TGsrMj8IjF — nicky bath (@NickyBath) April 27, 2015
Sydneysiders offer flowers of hope for Andrew & Myuran. #keephopealive pic.twitter.com/lU97kUBpzP
— Amnesty Australia (@amnestyOz) April 27, 2015