Bali Nine wake to first day back home in Australia

Source: AAP
Five members of the Bali Nine are waking up to their first day in Australia after being repatriated on “humanitarian grounds” following almost two decades in prison in Indonesia.
Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen and Michael Czugaj arrived in Australia on a Jetstar flight from Indonesia on Sunday.
They landed in Darwin and were whisked away to a top-secret location for their readjustment to life in Australia and to be reunited with their families.
Media reports that the convicted heroin smugglers are free and will not have to serve any more of their sentences.
Their release was secured by the Albanese government in a deal with Indonesian authorities. There was reportedly no prisoner swap.
Jakarta said it had not granted pardons.
The repatriated Australians were among nine arrested in 2005 after trying to smuggle heroin strapped to their bodies.
They had been behind bars serving life sentences in Bali.
A statement on behalf of the released prisoners said they were “relieved and happy” to be on home soil.
“In both Australia and Indonesia, at both a senior level and in prison visits and personal assistance, over many years, DFAT have offered professional and enduring support,” said the statement.
“The men and their families will always be grateful.
“They look forward, in time, to reintegrating back into and contributing to society.
“The welfare of the men is a priority; they will need time and support, and we hope and trust our media and community will make allowance for this.”

Australian diplomats sign paperwork to bring the remaining Bali Nine home. Photo: Indonesian government
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “time for them to come home”.
“Australia respects Indonesia’s sovereignty and legal processes and we appreciate Indonesia’s compassionate consideration of this matter,” he said.
“The five men committed serious offences. Australia shares Indonesia’s concern about the serious problem illicit drugs represents.
“The government will continue to co-operate with Indonesia to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.”
“I want to express my gratitude to President Prabowo for Indonesia’s co-operation and commitment to working with Australia on this matter.”
“I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo for his act of compassion.”
“They will now have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration here in Australia,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement on Sunday.
Source: Instagram
Indonesia’s senior minister for legal affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said the transfer was “reciprocal in nature”.
“If one day our government requests the transfer of Indonesian prisoners in Australia, the Australian government is also obliged to consider it,” he said.
The five were banned for life from returning to Indonesia, Yusril said.
Indonesia has said it will respect any decision by Australia when the prisoners return home, including whether to grant pardons.
Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed in 2015, sparking a diplomatic incident with Australia.
Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 and Tan Duc Than Nguyen died of cancer the same year.
-with AAP/Reuters