Death Row Grandmother Lindsay Sandiford Returns to UK After 13 Years in Bali Prison
Lindsay Sandiford, a British grandmother convicted of smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali, has returned to the UK after spending 13 years in an Indonesian prison. She was on death row and faced execution by firing squad before her release under a repatriation agreement between the UK and Indonesia.
Repatriation and Arrival
At 69 years old, Sandiford arrived at Heathrow Airport after a 20-hour flight via Dubai. The government reportedly paid £600 for her flight. She appeared frail and covered her face, being transported through the airport in a wheelchair.
Health and Legal Status
According to Indonesian minister Yusril Mahendra, Sandiford is “seriously ill” and has been examined by a doctor from the British consulate in Bali. It remains uncertain if she will face further imprisonment upon returning home. Indonesia’s deputy minister for immigration and correctional coordination, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, stated:
“In England, she will remain in prison.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not confirmed whether Sandiford will be re-incarcerated.
Lindsay Sandiford’s Perspective
Sandiford has expressed gratitude for a second chance at life with her family in the UK after more than a decade under the threat of execution for drug trafficking.
Summary
Lindsay Sandiford’s return to the UK after 13 years on Bali’s death row marks a complex mix of relief and ongoing uncertainty about her health and legal future.
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