The five remaining members of the infamous 'Bali Nine' drug ring say they are “relieved and happy” to return home to Australia, after serving almost 20 years in Indonesian prisons.
Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen and Michael Czugaj returned to the country on Sunday after years of lobbying by Australia on their behalf.
“They look forward, in time, to re-entering and contributing to society,” said a statement issued on behalf of the men and their families.
The high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia arrested nine young Australians who were trying to smuggle 8.3 kg (18 lb) of heroin strapped to their bodies out of Bali.
The eight men and one woman were arrested at a Bali airport and hotel after being tipped off by Australian police.
The case made headlines around the world when two of the gang's leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015, sparking a diplomatic row between neighbors Indonesia and Australia.
Other members of the Bali Nine – most of whom were under the age of 21 – received prison sentences of 20 years or 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 prison in 2018. Shortly after, Renae Lawrence, then 41, the only woman in the group, had her sentence commuted after spent almost 13 years in prison and returned to Australia the same year.
Indonesia did not commute the sentences of the other five, now aged 38 to 48, and they were repatriated to Australia as prisoners. However, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that men are indeed free to live unhindered in Australian society.
In a statement confirming their release, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that although the five men had committed serious crimes, “it was time for them to come home.”
“Australia respects Indonesia's sovereignty and legal procedures and… I expressed my personal gratitude to President Prabowo (Subianto) for his act of compassion,” he said.
The men and their families also said they were “immensely grateful” to Prabowo.
They also thanked the lawyers, diplomats and government figures who helped defend their rights over the past two decades, before asking for respect for their privacy.
“The welfare of these men is a priority, they will need time and support, and we hope and trust that our media and community will take this into account.”
