A 69-year-old woman, Lindsay Sandiford, who was sentenced to death in 2013 for smuggling cocaine into Indonesia, has been released from Bali’s Kerobokan jail. Sandiford, looking frail and wearing a face mask, left the prison in a wheelchair to begin her journey back to the UK. The Mirror reported that she will be flying back to London Heathrow on a flight funded by the UK government.
Sandiford, who spent 13 years in harsh conditions in Kerobokan prison, is said to be very unwell and eager to reunite with her family in the UK. Despite claiming she was coerced by a UK drug syndicate, she was given a death sentence. However, a recent agreement between Indonesia and the UK led to her release due to her deteriorating health.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister, confirmed Sandiford’s serious illness and the agreement to transfer her back to the UK. The deal was signed in Jakarta, allowing Sandiford and another prisoner to return to the UK. Sandiford was caught with cocaine in her suitcase at Denpasar Airport and faced the death penalty, claiming she was threatened by the crime gang.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated they are assisting two British nationals detained in Indonesia for their return to the UK. Sandiford’s release marks the end of a challenging period for her, with efforts from UK officials facilitating her return to her home country.
