What's happened
Five members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia after serving 19 years in Indonesian prisons. The repatriation was facilitated by a deal between the Australian and Indonesian governments, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing gratitude for Indonesia's cooperation on humanitarian grounds.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to SBS, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the return of the five men, stating, "These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia. It was time for them to come home." The Independent highlighted the diplomatic negotiations that led to this outcome, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post noted that the Indonesian government expressed its willingness to respect any decisions made by Australia regarding the men's future, including potential pardons. This sentiment was echoed by Indonesian Senior Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who stated that the transfer was "reciprocal in nature."
How we got here
The Bali Nine were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle over 8kg of heroin from Bali to Australia. Two ringleaders were executed in 2015, while others served lengthy sentences. Recent negotiations led to the repatriation of the remaining five members, who had been serving life sentences.
Common question
-
What Happened to the Bali Nine Members After Their Return to Australia?
On December 15, 2024, five members of the Bali Nine returned to Australia after serving over 19 years in an Indonesian prison for drug smuggling. Their release marks a significant moment in Australian history and raises questions about their future, the government's response, and the implications for Australia-Indonesia relations. Here are some common questions people have about this event.
-
What Themes Are Explored in Lauren Mayberry's Solo Album 'Vicious Creature'?
Lauren Mayberry, the lead vocalist of Chvrches, has taken a bold step into her solo career with the release of 'Vicious Creature.' This album not only showcases her musical evolution but also dives deep into personal themes that resonate with many listeners. What can fans expect from this new direction, and how does it reflect her journey? Here are some common questions about the album and its significance.
More on these topics
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia, situated on the Timor Sea. It is the largest city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, with a population of 148,564.