Australia announces return of 'Bali Nine' drug traffickers.
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Australia has announced the return of five remaining members of the "Bali Nine" drug-trafficking ring after nearly 20 years in an Indonesian prison.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: "I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens have returned to Australia this afternoon."
He thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto "for his compassion."
The high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia arrested nine young Australians who were trying to smuggle 8.3 kg (18 lb) of heroin from Bali. 6170eb70-bab2-11ef-892c-ff5513f09b2b.jpg.webp
Getty Images A composite image of photos of the Bali Nine, some behind bars and each in white clothing Getty Images
Members of the Bali Nine (clockwise from top left) Myuran Sukumaran, Scott Rush, Tach Duc Thanh Nguyen, Renae Lawrence, Andrew Chan, Matthew Norman, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephen and Si Yi Chen
The eight men and one woman were arrested at an airport and a hotel in Bali after a tip-off from Australian police.
The case made headlines around the world when two of the gang's leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015 - sparking a row with Australia. Following the executions, Australia recalled its ambassador to Indonesia, although he returned to Jakarta five weeks later.
The other members of the Bali Nine were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The case highlighted Indonesia's strict drug laws, among the strictest in the world.
One of the nine, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died of cancer in 2018. Shortly afterwards, Renae Lawrence, then 41, the only woman in the group, had her sentence commuted after serving almost 13 years in prison. The Australian government said of the five men's return: "These men have the opportunity to pursue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia."
It expressed its "deep gratitude" to Indonesia for allowing them to return home on humanitarian grounds.
Australian broadcaster ABC said the men were "truly free to live unhindered in Australian society."
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