|
Andrew Chan and Febyanti got engaged in February 2015. |
BALI Nine ringleader Andrew Chan has married his fiancee, Febyanti Herewila, in a prison ceremony on the eve of his execution.
The ceremony took place at Besi Prison on Nusakambangan island, Chan’s older brother Michael confirmed after arriving back from a visit.
But what should be the most joyous moment of their lives is tainted by the grisly reality that within 24 hours of tying the knot Chan will be executed.
Chan’s family broke the news when they returned from the prison island.
Indonesia’s Attorney-General HM Prasetyo has told news website Detik.com that he agreed to fulfil Chan’s request to wed.
“There was a request from Andrew Chan, I thought at the beginning it was a joke and not his last request, but actually it is really serious. He wants to get married with his girlfriend,” Mr Prasetyo said.
“He has been isolated, so I think it was a joke but we will fulfil it,” he said.
Chan, 31, proposed to Febyanti as she visited him in jail shortly after learning his plea for clemency was rejected by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in February.
Feby, as she is known, accepted and has since worn a solitaire engagement ring. “Andrew is one of the strongest, kindest people I have ever met,” Feby told News Corp Australia.
“I have never seen him as just a prisoner or someone who is on death row.”
With her guidance, Chan was finally ordained as a minister on February 2, and has recently run the chapel and services for inmates. Feby said her love of Chan was not born out of pity.
“I love him for who he is. And I see what he does for other people and that makes me love him more,” she said.
“If you ask me why do I love him, it’s because he also has weaknesses but he also has a lot of good things about him. I accept him the way he is. I am also very proud of him.”
The wedding was officiated by Salvation Army minister, David Soper, who will also be Chan’s spiritual adviser with him when he is executed.
Mr Soper, from Sydney, is a longtime family friend of the Chan family.
Source: news.com.au,