15/12/2024
𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
The remaining five members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia after spending nearly 20 years in Indonesian jails following a top secret release mission.
Si Yi Chen, 39, Michael Czugaj, 38, Matthew Norman, 38, Scott Rush, 39, and Martin Stephens, 48, touched down in Australia on commercial flights on Sunday evening as free men.
The five men will not face future imprisonment in Australia over their attempt to smuggle 8.3 kgs of he**in out of Bali into Australia in 2005.
The release arrangement with the Indonesian government has not been described as a clemency deal, and Australia does not have a prisoner transfer agreement with Indonesia.
Anthony Albanese confirmed the men’s return on Sunday.
“The five men committed serious offences, serving over 19 years in prison in Indonesia,” he said in a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
“We would like to convey our deep appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its co-operation to facilitate the men’s return to Australia on humanitarian grounds.
“This reflects the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect between Indonesia and Australia. The Australian Government has consistently advocated for the men and provided consular support to them and their families.
“The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.
“We ask that the media respect the privacy of the men and their families at this time.”
It’s understood the Australian government has provided temporary accommodation for the former prisoners to ensure they are able to access medical and other support services.
The arrangement was struck after years of advocacy by Mr Albanese, who recently broached the topic with Indonesian Prime Minister Prabowo Subianto at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima on November 15.
In a separate statement, Mr Albanese acknowledged the five remaining members of the Bali Nine had “committed serious offences,” but said it was “time for them to come home”.
“Australia respects Indonesia’s sovereignty and legal processes and we appreciate Indonesia’s compassionate consideration of this matter,” he said.
“The five men committed serious offences. Australia shares Indonesia’s concern about the serious problem illicit drugs represents.
“The government will continue to co-operate with Indonesia to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.”
He also thanked President Subianto for facilitating the deal.
“I want to express my gratitude to President Prabowo for Indonesia’s co-operation and commitment to working with Australia on this matter,” he said.
“I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo for his act of compassion.”
The ringleaders of the Bali Nine operation, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed in 2015, while Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen died in 2018 from stomach cancer.
Another member, Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 after spending 13 years in jail.
