UK Grandmother on Indonesia Death Row Returns to London
A British grandmother, Lindsay Sandiford, 69, who was sentenced to death in Bali for smuggling $2.14 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia, arrived back in the UK on Friday, according to AFP correspondents.
Background and Sentencing
Sandiford was convicted of drug trafficking in 2013 on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali. Indonesia enforces some of the strictest drug laws worldwide but has recently released several high-profile detainees.
Release and Transfer
- Sandiford was freed on humanitarian grounds.
- She was accompanied by Shahab Shahabadi, 36, who served a life sentence for drug offenses from his 2014 arrest.
- Both departed Bali on a Qatar Airways flight to London via Doha.
- An Indonesian law and human rights ministry official confirmed their transfer and detention move to the UK.
Official Statements
"Their detention will be moved to the United Kingdom" under a bilateral agreement, said I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram during a handover ceremony at Bali's Kerobokan jail.
"The United Kingdom government would now be fully responsible for the legal decisions there, while respecting our legal decision," he added.
Return to UK
Sandiford arrived at Heathrow Terminal 4 in a wheelchair, accompanied by security staff. She did not speak and covered her face with her jacket upon arrival.
Author's summary: Lindsay Sandiford, sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug smuggling, was repatriated to the UK on humanitarian grounds under a bilateral detainee transfer agreement.