Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer...

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said that the Bali bombers should not be executed for the nightclub attacks which killed more than 200 people. His comments put him at odds with Prime Minister John Howard, who has said his Government would not oppose the death sentence for the bombers. The attacks last October 12 killed 202 people, including 89 Australians. Mr Downer said Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda had indicated those found to be directly responsible would face a firing squad. Speaking on Melbourne radio, Mr Downer acknowledged many Australians would probably support executing the killers but he was not in favour of capital punishment. "Since I was a child I've never liked the idea of capital punishment (but) I don't think I resonate with public opinion there."