Indonesian rapist Herry Wirawan’s death sentence comes as calls grow to abolish executions

The Islamic studies teacher impregnated at least eight girls between 2016 and 2021 at a boarding school he ran for children from poorer backgrounds

It marks the first time Indonesia has sentenced a rapist to die for his crimes. But advocates say child safeguards are more important than punishments

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Herry Wirawan, centre, is escorted by security officers at a court in Bandung, Indonesia, for his initial sentencing hearing in February. Photo: AP

Published: 3:08pm, 6 Apr 2022Updated: 4:20pm, 6 Apr 2022

An Islamic studies teacher in Indonesia was sentenced to death on Monday for raping 13 of his students, reviving a simmering debate over the use of capital punishment in the Southeast Asian nation.

Herry Wirawan, 36, impregnated at least eight girls between 2016 and 2021 at the boarding school he ran for children from low socio-economic backgrounds. His victims gave birth while still at the school and their babies were used to solicit donations, a court heard.

Abolitionists say there is no evidence that the threat of execution acts as a deterrent against serious crime in countries that retain capital punishment such as the United States.

People hold signs during a protest against the death penalty in Singapore on Sunday. Photo: AFP

In Singapore, activists on Sunday staged a peaceful protest against capital punishment after the city state resumed executions of death row convicts for the first time since 2019, sparking a storm of criticism.

Wirawan was initially sentenced in February to life imprisonment, but the High Court in Bandung changed this to the death penalty after the prosecution appealed. Presiding judge, Herri Swantoro, said Wirawan had committed “the most serious crime” and had deeply hurt his victims.

This marks the first time in Indonesian legal history that a death sentence has been handed down in a sexual assault case. Wirawan’s earlier life term for his crimes also set a legal precedent.

Firing squad

Capital punishment in Indonesia is typically reserved for drug traffickers, terrorists and murderers, though it can technically be handed down for a range of other crimes such as corruption, sedition and rape.

Indonesian rapist Herry Wirawan’s death sentence comes as calls grow to abolish executions

The Islamic studies teacher impregnated at least eight girls between 2016 and 2021 at a boarding school he ran for children from poorer backgrounds It marks the first time Indonesia has sentenced a rapist to die for his crimes. But advocates say child safeguards are more important than punishments

Firing squad

The Islamic studies teacher impregnated at least eight girls between 2016 and 2021 at a boarding school he ran for children from poorer backgrounds

It marks the first time Indonesia has sentenced a rapist to die for his crimes. But advocates say child safeguards are more important than punishments