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International leaders condemn Indonesian executions

International leaders have spoken out to condemn the execution of eight drug convicts in Indonesia.

Political leaders in Australia and Brazil have threatened to cut ties with the country, while UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has voiced "deep regret", saying the death penalty had "no place" in the 21st century.

Indonesia has confirmed the convicts - including the two Australian ringleaders of a smuggling group known as the 'Bali Nine' - were executed by a firing squad while one, Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso from the Philippines, was spared.

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Activists in Philippines celebrate after execution delay

Activists react after it was announced that the execution was delayed for death row prisoner Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso Credit: Reuters

Activists who held an overnight vigil outside the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines cheered with joy after learning that the execution of a Filipina death row prisoner had been delayed at the eleventh hour.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General in Indonesia confirmed that the execution of Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, a mother of two who was arrested in 2010 after she arrived in Indonesia with 2.6 kg of heroin hidden in her suitcase, had been postponed.

Activists celebrate outside Indonesian embassy in Makati, Philippines Credit: Reuters

The Philippine president had informed Indonesia that a person suspected of recruiting Veloso had surrendered to police, the spokesman added.

Eight drug-trafficking convicts from several countries were executed by an Indonesian firing squad shortly after midnight (6PM GMT) local media reported.

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International leaders condemn Indonesian executions

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