Australia says the five remaining members of the “Bali Nine” drug ring have returned home after almost 20 years in Indonesian prison.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: “I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens returned to Australia this afternoon.”
He thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto “for his compassion.”
The high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia arrested nine young Australians who were trying to smuggle 8.3 kg (18 pounds) of heroin out of Bali.
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Bali Nine members (clockwise from top left) Myuran Sukumaran, Scott Rush, Tach Duc Thanh Nguyen, Renae Lawrence, Andrew Chan, Matthew Norman, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephen and Si Yi Chen
The eight men and one woman were arrested at a Bali airport and hotel after being tipped off by Australian police.
The case made global news when two of the gang's leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015, sparking a row with Australia.
After the executions, Australia recalled its ambassador to Indonesia, although he returned to Jakarta five weeks later.
Other members of the Bali Nine were sentenced to life in prison.
The case highlighted Indonesia's strict drug laws, among the strictest in the world.
One of the nine, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died of cancer in 2018. Shortly after, Renae Lawrence, then 41, the only woman in the group, had her sentence commuted after serving nearly 13 years in prison.
The Australian government said of the return of the five men: “The men will have the opportunity to pursue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia. »
He expressed his “deep gratitude” to Indonesia for allowing them to return home on humanitarian grounds.
Australian broadcaster ABC reported that the men were indeed free to live unhindered in Australian society.
