The five remaining members of the infamous “Bali Nine” drug ring have been released from Indonesian prison after nearly 20 years and are now back home in Australia. The gang, which consisted of nine young Australians who were arrested in 2005 for smuggling heroin out of Bali, has a complex history that includes executions, lengthy prison sentences, and diplomatic tensions between Indonesia and Australia.
The men, aged 38 to 48, were transported back to Australia as prisoners despite serving their time behind bars. They are now banned from entering Indonesia for life and will undergo medical checks before beginning a voluntary “rehabilitation process” at Darwin’s Howard Springs facility.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the men’s return, stating that it was an act of compassion by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The government says normal visa processes will apply to any Indonesian family members who wish to visit their loved ones in Australia.
The release has been met with a mix of emotions from the families of the convicted individuals. Some are overjoyed to see their loved ones return, while others acknowledge that it may take time for the men to heal and reintegrate into society. Bishop Timothy Harris, who has supported the families of two of the convicts since their arrests, noted that “things have changed” and that relationships need to be rekindled.
The Bali Nine case highlighted Indonesia’s strict drug laws, some of the most stringent in the world, and sparked a diplomatic row between Indonesia and Australia when two members of the gang were executed by firing squad in 2015.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr2l1gvg3qo