Death Row Grandmother Lindsay Sandiford Returns to the UK After 13 Years in Bali Prison
Lindsay Sandiford, a British grandmother, has returned to the UK after spending 13 years in a Bali prison, where she was on death row for drug trafficking. She was convicted of smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali.
Sandiford, 69, was released as part of a repatriation agreement between the UK and Indonesia. She arrived at Heathrow Airport this afternoon after a 20-hour flight from Bali via Dubai. The government reportedly covered the £600 cost of her ticket. Appearing frail, she was taken through the airport in a wheelchair and covered her face.
"She has previously spoken of being allowed a ‘second chance’ at life with her family in the UK after spending 12 years facing execution in Bali for drug smuggling."
Indonesian minister Yusril Mahendra confirmed that Sandiford is "seriously ill" and has been examined by a doctor from the British consulate on the island. It remains unclear whether she will serve additional prison time in the UK. I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, Indonesia’s deputy minister for immigration and correctional coordination, stated:
"In England, she will remain in prison."
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet confirmed whether Sandiford will be incarcerated upon her return.
Summary
Lindsay Sandiford, freed from death row in Bali for drug trafficking, returned to the UK in poor health but faces uncertain prison prospects at home.