UK grandmother on Indonesia death row arrives back in London

UK Grandmother on Indonesia Death Row Returns to London

A British grandmother, Lindsay Sandiford, 69, who was sentenced to death in Bali in 2013 for smuggling $2.14 million worth of cocaine into Indonesia, arrived back in the UK on Friday, according to AFP correspondents.

Background and Sentencing

Sandiford was convicted of drug trafficking on the tourist island of Bali, where Indonesia enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws. Despite this, the country has recently released several high-profile detainees over the past year.

Release and Transfer Details

Sandiford was freed on humanitarian grounds along with Shahab Shahabadi, 36, who was serving a life sentence for drug offenses since his 2014 arrest. Both departed Bali on a Qatar Airways flight to London via Doha, confirmed an official from Indonesia's law and human rights ministry.

“Their detention will be moved to the United Kingdom under the bilateral deal,” said I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram during a handover ceremony at Bali's Kerobokan jail.
“The United Kingdom government would now be fully responsible for the legal decision that will be given there, but still respecting our legal decision,” he added.

Arrival in the UK

Sandiford arrived at Heathrow Terminal 4 in a wheelchair, accompanied by security personnel. She did not speak and covered her face with her jacket.

This case highlights ongoing diplomatic cooperation regarding prisoners facing serious charges in Indonesia and their potential transfer under international agreements.

Summary: Lindsay Sandiford, once on Indonesia's death row for drug smuggling, has been released on humanitarian grounds and returned to the UK under a bilateral prisoner transfer agreement.

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RFI RFI — 2025-11-06

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