Bali bombers lose execution bid

The bombers have launched multiple challenges against their convictions

An Indonesian court has rejected an attempt by three men convicted of bombing a Bali nightclub in 2002 to change the method of their execution.

The three bombers were sentenced to death by firing squad over the attacks, which left more than 200 people dead.

Their lawyers say shooting does not guarantee instant death and can thus be deemed torture. They say the men should die by beheading or lethal injection.

But judges at the constitutional court ruled the argument was "baseless".

Lawyers for Amrozi, Mukhlas (alias Ali Ghufron) and Imam Samudra said they would consider taking the appeal to a higher court.

This would mean yet another delay in carrying out the death penalty on the three men, originally sentenced in 2003.

The sentences have been subject to multiple appeals, and a pledge by Indonesia's attorney general to see them die by Ramadan (which fell in early September this year) was not met.