France condemns Indonesia executions, mobilised for Atlaoui

France has condemned Indonesia's execution of seven foreigners and one of its own nationals convicted on drug charges. The government said it was "fully mobilised" to try to save French national from the firing squad.

Australians observe a vigil in support of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan who were executed on Wednesday Reuters/Jason Reed

The French government "reiterates its opposition to the death sentence, in all cases and all circumstances," said French foreign ministry spokesperson Romain Nadal in a statement that expressed "solidarity" with the countries whose nationals were put to death.

One Indonesian and seven foreigners - two Australians, a Brazilian and four Nigerians - were executed by firing squad at 35 minutes past midnight despite protests from their governments.

A Filipina mother of two was granted an 11th-hour stay of execution after someone suspected of recruiting her to carry drugs turned herself in to authorities in the Philippines.

In an unprecedented move, Australia has withdrawn its ambassador in protest over what it termed "cruel punishment".

Australia had mounted a sustained campaign to save its citizens, who have been on death row for almost a decade, with the Prime Minister Tony Abbott repeatedly appealing for them to be spared.

The French authorities "are fully mobilised to help Serge Atlaoui, whose situation remains very worrying," Nadal said.

Atlaoui, 51, was originally part of the group to be executed on Wednesday.

He was granted a surprise reprieve on Saturday for his appeal to run its course.