Australia said the remaining 5 members of the “Bali Nine” drug ring have returned to the country after nearly 20 years in prison in Indonesia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: “I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens returned to Australia this afternoon.”
He thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “for his compassion”.
The famous case began in 2005 when Indonesia caught nine young Australians trying to smuggle 8.3kg of heroin out of Bali.
Getty ImagesEight men and one woman were Arrested at the airport and hotel in Bali after receiving information from Australian police.
The case caused a stir around the world when two gang leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were arrested. was executed by firing squad in 2015 – sparked a row with Australia over the abolition of the death penalty.
After the execution, Australia recall his ambassador to Indonesia, although he return to Jakarta five weeks later.
The other members of the Bali Nine were sentenced to life in prison.
The case highlights Indonesia’s strict drug laws, which are among the strictest in the world.
One of the nine, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died of cancer in 2018. Soon after, Renae Lawrence, then 41 years old, the only woman in the group, had her sentence commuted after nearly 13 years in prison.
The Australian government said of the return of the five men: “These men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.”
It expressed “deep appreciation” to Indonesia for allowing them to return home for humanitarian reasons.
Australian broadcaster ABC reported that men are indeed free to live unhindered in Australian society.
