‘Bali Nine’ drug smuggler ring members released after nearly 20 years in prison
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Five members of the Bali Nine drug ring have returned home to Australia, after nearly 20 years in prison in Indonesia.
Australia confirmed they were back in the country, with terms of the transfer still being negotiated between the two countries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement: “The Australian Government can confirm that Australian citizens, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia.”
The men were among nine people arrested in 2005 trying to smuggle more than 8 kg (17.64 lb) of heroin out of the Indonesian resort island of Bali.
Mr Albanese said: “These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia. It was time for them to come home.”
Two members of the ‘Bali Nine’ – ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – were executed by firing squad in 2015.
In response to the executions, Australia temporarily recalled its Indonesian ambassador.
The rest of the group were handed life sentences.
The only woman in the group – Renae Lawrence – was released from prison in 2018, and another group member – Tan Duc Than Nguyen – died of cancer the same year.
The Australian prime minister expressed his “deep appreciation” to the Indonesian government for its cooperation and for the men’s return to Australia “on humanitarian grounds”.
He said their return reflected “the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect” between the two countries.
(L-R) Renae Lawrence, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen Pic: AP
Authorities say the men will “have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia”.
Indonesia had shared a draft proposal for the return of the five prisoners earlier this month.
The draft terms included banning the five from returning to Indonesia, regulations on the legal basis for the transfer, and a requirement that Australia respect the decision of the Indonesian court.
(L-R) Si Yi Chen, Matthew James Norman and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen (who has since died). Pic: AP
It said Indonesia would respect any decision taken by Australia when the prisoners returned home, including if the group was granted a pardon.
The repatriation did not involve an exchange of prisoners.
Indonesia’s government has been contacted for comment.
