Coffins and crosses prepared for drug convicts set for execution in Indonesia despite international outcry

Crosses bearing the names of the inmates have been prepared Credit: Reuters

Nine drug convicts - including the ringleaders of a smuggling group known as the 'Bali Nine' - have met their families for what is expected to be the final time before they are executed by firing squad in Indonesia.

Ambulances carrying white satin-covered coffins have been transported to the Nusakambangan prison island in central Java, where the executions are expected to take place, while crosses bearing the names of the nine and the letters "RIP" have been painted.

Ambulances carying the white satin-covered coffins have arrived at the prison Credit: Reuters

Despite fierce lobbying and international outcry against their executions, the nine convicts have until 8pm local time (2pm BST) to say their final farewells.

The mother of one of the Bali Nine 'ringleaders', Myuran Sukumaran, revealed she has been told the execution by firing squad would take place four hours after that, at midnight, though officials have not given an exact time.

Australian nationals Sukumaran and Andrew Chan - named as the brains behind the drug-smuggling group - were arrested in 2005 at an airport in Bali for tying to smuggle 8kg of heroin into their home country.

They were subsequently sentenced to death - and despite condemnation from the UN, numerous legal hearings and various appeals, authorities have refused to reconsider.

The coffins have been delivered to the prison Credit: Reuters
The distraught family of Bali Nine 'ringleader' Myuran Sukumaran have said what is set to be their final goodbye Credit: Reuters
A vigil was held in Sydney for Australian convicts Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan Credit: Reuters

Tony Spontana, spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, today said there were no more legal avenues which could stay their execution.

Seven others will also face the firing squad, including four from Nigeria, one from Brazil and one from the Philippines, as well as an Indonesian man.

Distraught families and political leaders have made last-ditch efforts to urge the Indonesian government to save the prisoners' lives, while vigils were held in Sydney, Jakarta and Makati.

Marites Veloso, the sister of Filipina inmate Mary Jane Veloso, said they were "hoping for a miracle", while Philippine President Benigno Aquino has also made a third personal appeal to keep her alive.

In emotional scenes outside the prison, Sukumaran's mother Raji pleaded with authorities as one member of the family collapsed.

There has been international condemnation of the planned executions Credit: Reuters
A candlelit vigil was held in Makati, Philippines, for inmate Mary Jane Veloso Credit: Reuters
Indonesian migrant workers held a candlight vigil in Jakarta Credit: Reuters

If the executions go ahead, the prisoners' hands and feet will be tied and they will be given the choice to stand, kneel or sit, and whether to be blindfolded.

Twelve marksmen are assigned to shoot each prisoner in the heart, but only three are randomly assigned live ammunition, to ensure the executioner remains anonymous.

The deaths will be the second round of executions under President Joko Widodo, who reinstated the death penalty in 2013 after a five-year break, citing what he called a "drug emergency" in the country.