PHOTO ESSAY:Australia braces for executionof Bali Nine duo in Indonesia

Despite pleas by human rights groups, the Australian government and family members, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran will soon face an Indonesian firing squad for drug smuggling.

In early 2006, Australians Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumaran and seven others, collectively known as the “Bali Nine,” were sentenced by an Indonesian court for their role in a heroin smuggling ring. While the other seven received stiff prison sentences, Chan and Sukumaran were given the death penalty.

Australian Myuran Sukumaran looks on during the first day of his trial at Denpasar District Court on October 11, 2005 in Denpasar, Indonesia. (Photo by Jason Childs/Getty Images)

Andrew Chan (center) and Myuran Sukumaran (right) are taken from a court holding cell for their sentencing trial February 14, 2006 in Denpasar, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. (Photo by Dimas Ardian/Getty Images)

Andrew Chan embraces Myuran Sukumaran in a holding cell at the Denpasar Courthouse before their respective sentencing. (Photo by Jason Childs/Getty Images)

During their time in jail, both men attempted to turn their lives around. Sukumaran, 33, became an artist and received a university degree in fine arts, while Chan, 31, taught bible study to fellow prisoners.

In an interview with ABC News earlier today, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, “We abhor the death penalty, which we think is beneath a country such as Indonesia.”

Meanwhile, anti-death penalty activists organized vigils for the pair in Bali and back home in Australia.

Two women from Mercy Campaign cry as they pray for Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in front of Kerobokan Prison on March 3, 2015 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

A member of Mercy Campaign lights a candle for the Bali Nine duo. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

A woman prays for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran on March 4, 2015 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

Despite calls for clemency by Amnesty International and other supporters, the two men were transferred today to a holding facility prior to their execution by firing squad. Massive security accompanied Chan and Sukumaran as they were transferred from Bali to the island of Nusukambam, where the execution could take place as soon as this weekend.

Indonesian soldiers stand guard as an Indonesian police armored vehicle carrying the Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran arrive at Wijaya Pura Port on March 4, 2015 in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Family members of Chan and Sukumaran have visited the pair several times in recent weeks. Their pleas for mercy have so far fallen on deaf ears.

Raji Sukumaran, the mother of death-row prisoner Myuran Sukumaran, leaves after visiting her son at Kerobokan Prison on February 10, 2015 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

Australian Brintha Sukumaran, the sister of death-row prisoner Myuran Sukumaran, leaves after visiting him at Kerobokan Prison on February 10, 2015 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. . (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

Pastor I Ketut Siaga Waspada holds a self portrait painting of Myuran Sukuraman after visiting the two death-row prisoners at Kerobokan Prison on February 10, 2015 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)

The Sydney Morning Herald described the scene as they were transferred to the execution facility early this morning:

“They thanked the prison staff and said goodbye,” said Nyoman Surya Putra Atmaja, the head of Bali corrections who was also at the prison for the transfer. The Indonesian language has many words for goodbye. Both men — reformed and popular with inmates and prison staff alike — used the term “pamit”, denoting a final and irrevocable farewell. Their hands were shackled, but not their legs, and they were placed in a Wolf armoured personnel van.

Despite last-minute pleas for clemency, prospects for Chan and Sukuraman look grim. Indonesian authorities are expected to give 72 hours notice before they are executed by firing squad. Family members are assembling near the execution facility, hoping to spend whatever time they can with the pair before it is too late.

Suhendro Putro prepares coffins at Java christian church on February 18, 2015 in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Crematorium operators pose at Giri Laya crematorium on February 27, 2015 in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia. The facility was used to cremate executed prisoners in January. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)