SYDNEY: Australia’s government said on Sunday ( Dec 15 ) that five members of the” Bali Nine” drug ring have returned from Indonesia, after diplomatic efforts between the countries this month to strike a repatriation deal.
” The American Government can ensure that American people, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a speech.
The men were one of nine people who were detained in Bali, Indonesia, in 2005 as they attempted to bring more than 8 kg of cocaine.
” These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia. It was time for them to appear home”, Albanese said.
Two of the conspirators of the Bali Nine party, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015, prompting Australia to understand its embassy in opposition.
A female member of the group passed away from cancer the same year as the group’s single female member, who was released from prison in 2018.
” We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Indonesian government for its assistance in facilitating the men’s returning to Australia on humanitarian premises,” Albanese said.
The men’s return, according to the statement, “reflected Indonesia and Australia’s powerful bilateral relationship and mutual value.”
The males will have the opportunity to maintain their individual treatment and reconciliation in Australia.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s Top Minister for Legal Affairs, met with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in Jakarta this quarter and presented a draft plan for the transfer of the five prisoners.
According to Yusril, the draft’s provisions included the five being prohibited from returning to Indonesia, laws governing the transfer’s legitimate foundation, and a condition that Australia adhere to the Indonesian court’s ruling.
Yusril stated at the time that Indonesia would follow any instructions Australia might have made when captives returned, including if the team received a pardon. He claimed that there wouldn’t be any prisoners trade during the relocation.
Indonesia’s authorities did not respond quickly to requests for comment on Sunday.