News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 15th December 2024
Australia reports the five surviving members of the “Bali Nine” drug ring have returned home after nearly two decades in Indonesian prison. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on social media, “I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens have returned to Australia this afternoon.” He expressed gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “for his compassion”. The high-profile case began in 2005, when Indonesia intercepted nine young Australians attempting to smuggle 8.3kg (18lb) of heroin out of Bali.
The eight men and one lady were apprehended at an airport and hotel in Bali following a tip from Australian authorities. The case gained international attention after two of the gang’s ringleaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were killed by firing squad in 2015, causing a rift with Australia. Following the killings, Australia recalled its ambassador to Indonesia, but he returned to Jakarta five weeks later. Other members of the Bali Nine received life sentences in jail. The case highlighted Indonesia’s tough drug regulations, which are among the most restrictive in the world.
Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen died from cancer in 2018. Renae Lawrence, then 41 and the only woman in the gang, got her sentence reduced after serving nearly 13 years in jail. The Australian government stated of the five men’s return: “The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.” It expressed “deep appreciation” to Indonesia for enabling them to return home under humanitarian conditions. According to Australian broadcaster ABC, the men are basically free to live their lives as they see fit.
