The five remaining members of the ‘Bali Nine’, who formed a drugs smuggling ring, have been returned to Australia after spending nearly 20 years in Indonesian jails. The release comes amid a ‘top secret release mission’, with Si Yi Chen, 39, Michael Czugaj, 38, Matthew Norman, 38, Scott Rush, 39, and Martin Stephens, 48, arriving in Australia on Sunday evening on commercial flights. The men are now free and will not face imprisonment in Australia over their attempt to smuggle 8.3kgs of heroin into the country from Bali in 2005.
The secret release arrangement is not a ‘clemency deal’ and Australia does not have a prisoner transfer agreement in place with Indonesia. The men’s release from jail was confirmed by Anthony Albanese. “The five men committed serious offences, serving over 19 years in prison in Indonesia. We would like to convey our deep appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its co-operation to facilitate the men’s return to Australia on humanitarian grounds.
“This reflects the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect between Indonesia and Australia. The Australian Government has consistently advocated for the men and provided consular support to them and their families. “The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia," he said in a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
