A legal advocate from Britain, Dr. Felicity Gerry KC, has been advocating for the release of Lindsay Sandiford, a woman who had been on death row in Bali. Sandiford, aged 69, recently avoided execution after spending 12 years in Kerobokan prison for smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine into Bali.
Recent reports suggest that Sandiford is set to be repatriated to the UK, prompting Dr. Gerry to assert that she should be released immediately upon her return. According to UK law, British prisoners can be transferred back to their home country subject to agreements between nations. While Sandiford would likely have to serve the remainder of her sentence in the UK due to the absence of the death penalty there, Dr. Gerry argues that her 12-year term, equivalent to 24 years in the UK where inmates are typically released halfway through their sentence, should warrant her immediate release.
In an interview, Dr. Gerry expressed her joy at the progress in Sandiford’s case, emphasizing the need for her quick release given her decade-long ordeal on death row. She highlighted Sandiford’s cooperation with investigators and the international efforts that led to her impending return home.
Sandiford’s reprieve comes as a result of Indonesia’s softened stance on drug-related offenses, aligning with global trends of reducing harsh penalties for such crimes. Dr. Gerry lamented the delay in Sandiford’s release, underscoring the toll her imprisonment has taken and the need for support upon her homecoming.
Sandiford’s troubles began when she was apprehended at Denpasar Airport with a significant amount of cocaine in her possession. Despite being coerced by a drug syndicate, she was sentenced to death in Bali, prompting condemnation from the British embassy in Indonesia against the use of capital punishment.
Throughout this challenging ordeal, Dr. Gerry has been a steadfast advocate for Sandiford’s rights and her safe return to the UK.