What's happened
Five members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia after nearly two decades in Indonesian prison. Their repatriation follows a deal between the Australian and Indonesian governments, allowing them to reintegrate into society after serving life sentences for heroin trafficking.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to SBS, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the men's return as an 'act of compassion' from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting the importance of their rehabilitation. The New York Times noted that the repatriation was based on reciprocity, with Indonesian officials stating that Australia would consider similar requests in the future. Meanwhile, SBS reported mixed public reactions, with some advocating for the men's reintegration while others criticized the use of taxpayer funds for their support. This reflects ongoing debates about drug policy and justice in both nations.
How we got here
The Bali Nine were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin from Bali to Australia. Over the years, two members were executed, one was released, and another died in prison. The recent change in Indonesia's leadership facilitated the men's return home.
More on these topics
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In April 2005, nine Australians – the "Bali Nine" – were convicted for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kg of heroin out of Indonesia. The heroin was valued at around A$4 million and was bound for Australia. Ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, is an Indonesian politician who is the 7th and current president of Indonesia. Elected in July 2014 as the first president not to come from an elite political or military background, he was previously the Mayor of Suraka
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Myuran Sukumaran was an Australian who was convicted in Indonesia of drug trafficking as a member of the Bali Nine. In 2005, Sukumaran was arrested in a room at the Melasti Hotel in Kuta with eight others.
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The name Andrew Chan may refer to:
Andrew Chan (bishop), a Hong Kong bishop.
Andrew Chan (drug smuggler), an Australian drug trafficker and member of the Bali Nine, who was executed in Indonesia in 2015.
Andrew Chan (judge), a Hong Kong judge.