Five individuals from the Bali Nine drug syndicate have made their way back to Australia, following almost two decades of incarceration in Indonesia.
Australia has verified their arrival in the country, while negotiations regarding the terms of the transfer are still ongoing between both nations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement confirming, “The Australian Government can validate that citizens Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia.”
These men were part of a group of nine apprehended in 2005 while attempting to export over 8 kg (17.64 lb) of heroin from the Indonesian tourist destination of Bali.
Prime Minister Albanese added, “These Australians have spent more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia. It is time they returned home.”
(L-R) Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were executed by firing squad in 2015. Pic: AP
Two members of the ‘Bali Nine,’ namely ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015.
This act led Australia to temporarily withdraw its ambassador from Indonesia.
The other group members received life sentences.
The sole female member, Renae Lawrence, was released from incarceration in 2018, while another member, Tan Duc Than Nguyen, succumbed to cancer during the same year.
The Australian Prime Minister expressed his “profound gratitude” to the Indonesian government for its collaboration and the repatriation of the men “on humanitarian grounds.”
He remarked that their return signifies “the robust bilateral relationship and mutual respect” existing between the two nations.
(L-R) Renae Lawrence, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, and Si Yi Chen. Pic: AP
Officials have stated the men will “have the opportunity to pursue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration within Australia.”
Earlier this month, Indonesia presented a draft proposal concerning the repatriation of the five inmates.
This draft outlined conditions, including prohibiting the five from re-entering Indonesia, the legal framework for the transfer, and an obligation for Australia to honor the decisions made by Indonesian courts.
(L-R) Si Yi Chen, Matthew James Norman, and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen (who has since passed away). Pic: AP
The proposal indicated that Indonesia would honor any resolution made by Australia upon the prisoners’ return, including the possibility of a pardon.
It is important to note that the repatriation did not involve a prisoner exchange.
Efforts to reach out to Indonesia’s government for comments are currently in progress.
