The five remaining members of the notorious Bali Nine drug gang say they are “relieved and happy” to return to their native Australia, after spending nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons.
Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stevens, Si Yi Chen and Michael Chujaj returned to the country on Sunday after years of pressure from Australia on their behalf.
“They look forward, in time, to reintegrating into and contributing to society,” a statement issued on behalf of the men and their families said.
This high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia arrested nine young Australians who were trying to smuggle 8.3kg of heroin from Bali strapped to their bodies.
The eight men and one woman were arrested at an airport and hotel in Bali after receiving a tip-off from Australian police.
The case made international headlines when two of the gang's leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015 – sparking a diplomatic row between neighbors Indonesia and Australia.
Other members of the Bali group of nine – most of whom were under the age of 21 – were sentenced to 20 years or life imprisonment.
The case highlighted Indonesia's strict drug laws, which are among the strictest in the world.
One of the nine, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died of cancer in prison in 2018. Shortly afterwards, Renae Lawrence, then 41, the only woman among the group, had her sentence commuted after serving nearly 13 years. In prison and returned to Australia. Same year.
Indonesia did not commute the sentences of the remaining five, now aged between 38 and 48, who were transferred to Australia as prisoners. However, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that men actually enjoy the freedom to live unhindered in Australian society.
In a statement confirming their release, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that although the five men had committed serious crimes, “it is time for them to return to their homeland.”
“Australia respects Indonesia's sovereignty and legal processes… and I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo (Subianto) for his compassionate action,” he said.
The men and their families also said they were “extremely grateful” to Prabowo.
They also thanked the lawyers, diplomats and government figures who helped defend them over the past two decades, before they demanded privacy.
“The men’s well-being is the priority, they will need time and support, and we hope and trust that the media and society will allow this.”
