UK Grandmother on Indonesia Death Row Returns to London
A British grandmother previously sentenced to death for smuggling $2.14 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia arrived back in the United Kingdom on Friday, according to AFP correspondents.
Case Background
Lindsay Sandiford, 69, was convicted of drug trafficking on Bali, a popular tourist destination, and sentenced to death in 2013. Indonesia enforces some of the world’s strictest drug laws but has recently released several high-profile inmates.
Humanitarian Release and Transfer
Sandiford was freed on humanitarian grounds alongside Shahab Shahabadi, 36, who was serving a life sentence for drug offenses since 2014. Both departed Bali on a Qatar Airways flight to London, transiting through Doha, confirmed an Indonesian law and human rights ministry official.
On arrival at Heathrow's Terminal 4, Sandiford was seen in a wheelchair, accompanied by security, covering her face and not speaking.
Legal Transfer and Responsibility
"Their detention will be moved to the United Kingdom under the bilateral deal," said I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram during the handover at Bali’s Kerobokan jail.
"The United Kingdom government would now be fully responsible for the legal decision that will be given there, but still respecting our legal decision."
This marks a shift in custody arrangements under an agreement between Indonesia and the UK.
Author's summary: A British grandmother sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug smuggling has been repatriated to the UK under a bilateral agreement, shifting legal responsibility to British authorities.