After the recent executions of Bali Nine ringleaders Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, the focus has diverted to the number of Australians in parts of the world that are facing death penalty for various offences. Sukumaran and Chan were the first Australians brought before the death squad in 10 years, and it seems they won’t be the last.

The Guardian, citing an unidentified Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman, reports there are 17 Australians at risk of receiving the death penalty. Over half are detained in China while the others are in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. The common denominator among these people was that they were arrested and detained for allegedly smuggling drugs to the country they were going to or came from.

The following Australians face the death penalty in Vietnam and China for various offences:

  • Pham Trung Dung – convicted and sentenced to death in 2014 in Vietnam for heroin trafficking
  • Henry Chhin – convicted and sentenced to death (suspended) in 2005 in China for amphetamine trafficking
  • Ibrahim Jalloh - convicted and sentenced to death (suspended for 2 years) in April 2015 in China for methamphetamine trafficking

The case of Peter Gardner, a Sydney man arrested in Guangzhou, China last November for allegedly attempting to smuggle 30 kg of methamphetamines into Australia, is now being hyped. His case, according to lawyer Craig Tuck, was suddenly pushed forward by six months for no reason at all. Gardner will face the court on May 7. If found guilty, he could be slapped the death penalty by firing squad. Gardner is a dual New Zealand/Australian citizen.

Although the DFAT confirmed 17 people accused of crimes have been convicted the death penalty, it refrained from providing further information. Various reports have identified the following as part of the 17:

Anthony Roger Bannister, 43 (China)

Arrested March 2014 for smuggling over 3 kg of crystal methamphetamine in Guangzhou. The drugs were in his luggage, stuffed into eight handbags. He told the court at his October trial that he has been set-up and used as a mule.

Maria Elvira Pinto Exposto, 52 (Malaysia)

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, worth 1.5 kg was found in her bag. Arrested December 2014 upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur airport. She was bound for Melbourne from Shanghai. AFP reports her case will now go to the High Court for a May hearing. If found guilty, she could face the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Check out this comprehensive list of Australians who have previously been arrested and/or convicted of capital offences (last updated 30 April 2015). Information on people who have been charged with capital offences and were acquitted or given alternative sentences are also there.

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