Australia says ‘Bali Nine’ drug smugglers have returned home
Australia says the five remaining members of the “Bali Nine” drug gang have returned home after serving nearly 20 years in an Indonesian prison.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: “I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Chen Siyi, Michael Chugayi, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens have today Returned to Australia in the afternoon.”
He thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his “compassion.”
The high-profile case began in 2005, when Indonesia caught nine young Australians trying to smuggle 8.3 kilograms (18 pounds) of heroin from Bali.
Getty ImagesThese eight men and one woman are Arrested at the airport After receiving a report from the Australian police, he went to the hotel in Bali.
When the gang’s two leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were arrested Executed by firing squad in 2015 – sparking a row with Australia, which has abolished the death penalty.
After execution, Australia recall its ambassador to Indonesia, although he Return to Jakarta Five weeks later.
Other members of the Bali Nine were sentenced to life in prison.
The case has shone a spotlight on Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws, which are among the strictest in the world.
One of the nine, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died of cancer in 2018. Soon after, Renae Lawrence, then 41 and the only woman in the group, received a reduced sentence after serving nearly 13 years in prison.
The Australian government said of the return of the five: “These individuals will have the opportunity to continue their personal recovery and reintegration into society in Australia.”
It expressed its “deep gratitude” to Indonesia for allowing them to return home on humanitarian grounds.
The Australian broadcaster ABC reported that these people actually live freely in Australian society without hindrance.
