In paragraph one he says because Australia does not agree to the death penalty we won’t extradite people to countries where they may be killed.

Correct Brian, our government’s policy is it does not agree with the death penalty, therefore its actions are consistent with its stated policy.

In paragraph two he asks why Australia’s law enforcement agencies provide information to other law enforcement agencies in countries with the death penalty.

I assume part of the AFP’s charter is to stop the import of drugs into Australia, and surely if drugs don’t leave the source country they have achieved their goal.

The fact a number of Australians chose to gamble their lives to make a few quick bucks was purely their decision.

Had they succeeded, how many lives would they have been responsible for ruining and how many deaths would have resulted from their actions?

While I agree the death penalty serves no deterrent or other purpose, his probably correct assertion that the death penalty is disgraceful in the 21st century should be tempered by the fact Australia only stopped judicial hanging 48 years ago.

I have nothing but genuine sympathy for their friends and family.

— FRANK SMITH,

Oaklands