A British national, Lindsay Sandiford, 69, has been repatriated to the United Kingdom after serving 12 years on death row in Indonesia. The repatriation, which also included another British national, Shahab Shahabadi, who was serving a life sentence for drug smuggling, was conducted on Friday as part of an agreement between the UK and Indonesian governments.
Background of Lindsay Sandiford's Case
Ms. Sandiford was sentenced to death in Bali in 2013 following her conviction for drug trafficking. She was apprehended in 2012 upon arrival from Thailand, found in possession of nearly 5kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth £1.6 million ($2.1 million).
During her trial in 2013, Ms. Sandiford admitted to the offenses. She stated that she had agreed to transport the cocaine under coercion, alleging that a drug syndicate had threatened her son's life.
Repatriation Details
The flight carrying Ms. Sandiford and Mr. Shahabadi departed Bali around 00:30 local time (16:30 GMT Thursday), as confirmed by Indonesian officials. Both individuals reportedly experienced health issues while incarcerated.
Last month, Indonesia's senior law and human rights minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, reported that Ms. Sandiford was "seriously ill," and Mr. Shahabadi suffered from "various serious illnesses, including mental health issues," according to AFP news agency. Ms. Sandiford was observed in a wheelchair at a press conference held at the Bali prison hours before her departure.
Matthew Downing, the UK's Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, affirmed that the repatriation was granted on "humanitarian grounds." Upon their return to the UK, both individuals are scheduled to receive necessary medical treatment and will be subject to UK laws and procedures.
Context of Indonesian Drug Laws
Indonesia enforces strict drug laws, which include capital punishment for serious offenses. However, the country has also facilitated the repatriation or release of several high-profile detainees in recent years.
- In December 2024, five remaining members of the "Bali Nine" drug ring were repatriated after nearly two decades in Indonesian prisons. The two ringleaders of this group were executed by firing squad in 2015.
- Also in December, Filipina national Mary Jane Veloso was repatriated to the Philippines. Ms. Veloso, a mother of two who faced execution, has consistently maintained that she was deceived into carrying the drugs found on her.