Death Row Grandmother Lindsay Sandiford Returns to UK After 13 Years in Bali Prison
Lindsay Sandiford, a 69-year-old British grandmother, has returned to the UK after spending 13 years in a Bali prison. She was freed under a repatriation agreement between the UK and Indonesia after being convicted of smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali.
Sandiford, who faced the death penalty by firing squad, arrived at Heathrow Airport following a 20-hour flight from Bali via Dubai. The government reportedly covered her £600 ticket. Appearing frail and covering her face, she was transported through the airport in a wheelchair.
“She has been allowed a ‘second chance’ at life with her family in the UK after 12 years facing execution in Bali for drug smuggling.”
According to Indonesian minister Yusril Mahendra, Sandiford is “seriously ill” and was examined by a doctor from the British consulate while on the island.
The future of her detention in the UK is uncertain. Indonesia’s deputy minister for immigration and correctional coordination, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, stated:
“In England, she will remain in prison.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has yet to clarify whether Sandiford will be incarcerated upon her return.
Despite the complexities of her situation, Sandiford’s case highlights the continuing challenges faced by prisoners repatriated from abroad.