British Grandmother Repatriated from Indonesia
On November 7, Lindsay Sandiford, a 69-year-old British grandmother, arrived back in the UK after being released from Indonesian detention on humanitarian grounds.
Details of Release and Return
Sandiford, who had been on death row for drug trafficking, was convicted in Bali in 2013 for smuggling US$2.14 million worth of cocaine. Despite Indonesia's strict drug laws, she was released along with Shahab Shahabadi, 36, who was serving a life sentence for drug offences.
Repatriation Process
Both individuals departed Bali on a Qatar Airways flight via Doha and arrived in London on November 7. Sandiford left Heathrow's Terminal 4 in a wheelchair, covered her face with her jacket, and did not speak, escorted by security staff.
Official Statements
"Two British nationals who were detained in Indonesia have now returned to the UK,"
said a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office.
Context of Release
- Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws but has recently released several high-profile detainees.
- Sandiford was released after serving nearly a decade of her sentence.
Author's Note
British grandmother Lindsay Sandiford was released from Indonesian custody on humanitarian grounds and returned to the UK after serving nearly ten years on death row for drug trafficking.