British Grandmother to Leave Indonesia Death Row

Indonesia has signed an agreement to repatriate two British nationals, including Lindsay Sandiford, a grandmother who has spent more than a decade on death row for drug trafficking charges. The announcement marks a rare move in a country known for some of the world’s strictest drug laws.

Sandiford, in her late 60s, was sentenced to death in 2013 after customs officers discovered cocaine worth an estimated $2.14 million hidden in a false compartment in her suitcase at Bali airport. She admitted to carrying the drugs but claimed she was coerced by a syndicate that threatened her son’s life. Despite losing her appeal in 2013, Indonesia’s government has now agreed to transfer her to the United Kingdom.

Senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed the deal with Britain, stating that both Sandiford and Shahab Shahabadi, a 35-year-old serving a life sentence for drug offenses, will be repatriated once technical arrangements are finalized, which could take about two weeks. Both prisoners reportedly suffer from severe health issues, with Sandiford described as seriously ill.

Sandiford’s case attracted widespread media attention in the UK, including a personal account in which she detailed the psychological toll of her impending execution. She recounted preparing farewell letters and even planning to sing “Magic Moments” before her execution. She formed a close friendship with Andrew Chan, an Australian executed for drug smuggling as part of the infamous Bali Nine.

Since President Prabowo Subianto assumed office in October last year, Indonesia has repatriated several high-profile foreign inmates sentenced for drug offenses. Notable cases include Filipina Mary Jane Veloso, who returned home after nearly 15 years on death row, and French national Serge Atlaoui, repatriated after 18 years.

Although Indonesia has not conducted executions since 2016, when one citizen and three Nigerian drug convicts were executed by firing squad, the government has recently hinted at a potential resumption of capital punishment. Currently, more than 90 foreigners remain on death row, all convicted of drug-related crimes.

The decision to repatriate Sandiford reflects both humanitarian concerns and international diplomatic negotiations, underscoring Indonesia’s nuanced handling of foreign detainees amid its stringent anti-drug stance.