Last month, we reported that Napalm Death frontman Barney Greenway wrote an impassioned letter to Indonesian president and renowned metalhead Joko Widodo to spare the lives of two metal fans, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who were arrested for trying to smuggle drugs into the country. Greenway's letter pleaded that the two men would not be killed but rather face jail time for their actions.
Yesterday, legendary guitar god Tony Iommi wrote a letter similarly pleaing for their safety:
Your Excellency,
I understand and respect your efforts to combat drug abuse in Indonesia. I have seen first-hand the negative impacts that drugs can have on people and their families. That is why I understand your strong views on this issue.
The Indonesian prison system has had great success in transforming Andrew and Myuran. I appeal to you, as a forgiving man, to take note of their transformation. They are reformed men, who are making a positive difference to the lives of their fellow prisoners.
That they have been transformed so much is a real credit to the lndonesian authorities. For this reason, I would ask that you stop the execution of Andrew and Myuran.
Please allow them to serve out life sentences where they contribute to the wellbeing of lndonesia and make good for the error of their previous ways.
Tony Iommi,
Guitarist, Black Sabbath.
As of this writing, President Widodo has yet to respond. Here is the letter in its original form:
