Death Row Gran Lindsay Sandiford Returns to UK After 13 Years in Bali Prison
Lindsay Sandiford, a British grandmother, has been released from death row in Bali after serving 13 years in prison for drug trafficking. She arrived at Heathrow Airport this afternoon following a 20-hour flight from Bali with a stopover in Dubai. The repatriation agreement between the UK and Indonesia facilitated her return.
Sandiford, 69, was convicted of smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali. She appeared frail and concealed her face as she was transported in a wheelchair through the airport to waiting transport.
Health and Legal Status
According to Indonesian minister Yusril Mahendra, Sandiford is “seriously ill” and has been examined by a doctor from the British consulate on the island. It remains uncertain whether she will face further imprisonment in the UK.
“In England, she will remain in prison,” said I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, Indonesia’s deputy minister for immigration and correctional coordination.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet confirmed if Sandiford will serve more time behind bars upon her return.
Personal Reflection
Sandiford has previously described being given a “second chance” at life with her family in the UK after spending over a decade facing execution in Bali.
Additional Details
- The UK government reportedly paid £600 for Sandiford’s flight ticket.
- She is a mother of two.