Indonesia court rejects appeal of Frenchman facing execution

French President Francois Hollande has warned of diplomatic consequences and possible economic fallout if Atlaoui is executed.

Indonesian police escort Serge Atlaoui following a court hearing in Tangerang, on March 11, 2015 (AFP Photo)

Jakarta, Indonesia — An Indonesian court on Monday denied the final appeal of a French national facing execution for drug offenses.

The administrative court in Jakarta said it could not overturn a presidential rejection of clemency for Serge Atlaoui, citing a lack of judicial authority.

His case has drawn national attention in France, which vigorously opposes the death penalty. Indonesia takes a hardline stance against drug crimes and resumed executions in 2013.

Presiding judge Ujang Abdullah said the court has no capacity to rule on the case since granting clemency is the prerogative right of the president.

“The President’s right to grant clemency is granted by the constitution while the authority of Administrative Court is just to judge on decrees issued by administrative officials,” Abdullah said.

The Frenchman was arrested in 2005 for alleged involvement in an ecstasy factory on the outskirts of Jakarta.

In April, Indonesia executed eight people convicted of drug trafficking, straining relations with Australia and Brazil whose citizens were among those shot by firing squad.

French President Francois Hollande has warned of diplomatic consequences and possible economic fallout if Atlaoui is executed.