Bali Nine Members Return to Australia After Two Decades

The five remaining members of the 'Bali Nine' drug smuggling ring returned to Australia after 19 years in Indonesian prisons, following a deal negotiated by the Australian government with Indonesia's new president, Prabowo Subianto. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their arrival and expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for facilitating their return on humanitarian grounds. The men, who were sentenced to life for attempting to smuggle over 8 kilograms of heroin in 2005, will not serve additional prison time in Australia due to the lack of a legal framework for such arrangements. This resolution marks the end of a long-standing diplomatic tension between Australia and Indonesia, especially after the execution of two ringleaders in 2015. The Australian government will provide medical and rehabilitation support for the men as they reintegrate into society. Albanese emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating transnational drug trafficking.