British Nationals Return Home After Indonesia Repatriation Deal
In a rare move of international cooperation, two British citizens previously jailed in Indonesia on drug-related charges have returned to the United Kingdom. Their repatriation comes as part of an agreement between the two countries that highlights a commitment to international legal collaboration.
Escorted by Indonesian authorities, Lindsay Sandiford and Shahab Shahabadi were seen leaving Bali for their flight back to the UK. This marks a significant moment as Sandiford, 69, had been on death row since her arrest in 2012, while Shahabadi, 35, was serving a life sentence handed down in 2014.
Senior official Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed their departure to The Associated Press, stating they were en route to London via a stopover in Doha. Mahendra, who oversees law, human rights, immigration, and correctional institutions, had previously noted their serious health issues, which played a part in the repatriation decision.
The repatriation agreement, finalized on October 21 after months of negotiations, was signed by Mahendra and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Deputy Minister for Immigration and Correctional Coordination, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, remarked on the significance of this legal cooperation and highlighted that Sandiford suffers from diabetes and hypertension, while Shahabadi has mental health disorders.
Sandiford’s arrest in 2012 was a result of authorities discovering 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds) of cocaine in her luggage upon her arrival in Bali from Bangkok. Valued at $2.5 million, the drugs were reportedly smuggled under duress from a gang threatening her children. Despite the lack of a prosecution request for capital punishment, she received a death sentence in 2013, which was later upheld by Indonesia’s highest court.
Shahabadi was implicated in an international drug trafficking scheme, sending methamphetamine shipments from Iran to Jakarta. He has been detained at the notorious Nusa Kambangan prison since 2014, before being transferred to Bali for repatriation.
The two inmates were transported from Kerobokan Prison to the airport on Thursday evening, where they boarded a flight early Friday morning. They remained silent during a news conference with Deputy Ambassador Matthew Downing and Mataram. Downing expressed gratitude towards Indonesia for the humanitarian-based repatriation, indicating potential openness to discussing similar arrangements for Indonesians held in the UK.
Indonesia’s record of severe drug-related penalties includes around 530 individuals on death row, with nearly 100 being foreigners. The nation has not carried out executions since July 2016. Under President Prabowo Subianto, several foreign prisoners have been returned to their home countries, like a Filipina and five Australians involved in drug offenses, and a French national, Serge Atlaoui, who has been imprisoned for nearly two decades.
