UK grandmother on Indonesia death row arrives back in London
Two British drug convicts, including a grandmother who had been on death row in Indonesia for over ten years, returned to the UK on Friday.
Context and Background
Indonesia enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws but has recently released over six high-profile detainees, including Lindsay Sandiford and Shahab Shahabadi.
Lindsay Sandiford, 69, was sentenced to death in Bali in 2013 for smuggling $2.14 million worth of cocaine. She was released on humanitarian grounds.
Shahab Shahabadi, 36, previously serving a life sentence for drug offenses after arrest in 2014, was also released along with Sandiford.
Departure Details
Both left Bali on a Qatar Airways flight via Doha, Indonesia's law and human rights ministry confirmed. Sandiford departed Heathrow in a wheelchair, accompanied by security, covering her face with a jacket.
Official Statements
British Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed, "Two British nationals who were detained in Indonesia have now returned to the UK."
Indonesian official I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram stated that their "detention will be moved to the United Kingdom" under the terms of their deal.
Author's Summary
This case highlights Indonesia's recent efforts to release high-profile detainees and the ongoing cooperation with the UK in repatriating British nationals sentenced for drug offenses.