Bali Nine Members Return After 19 Years

Five Australian members of the 'Bali Nine' drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia after serving over 19 years in an Indonesian prison. The group, which included Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj, was convicted in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali. Their return follows extensive diplomatic negotiations between Australia and Indonesia, culminating in an agreement facilitated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the APEC Summit. The Australian government has expressed gratitude to Indonesia for their cooperation and has ensured the men's rehabilitation and reintegration into society without further imprisonment. The remaining members' release marks the end of a saga that had strained relations between the two countries, with previous executions of two ringleaders and other members' release or death. The Australian government has requested privacy for the men and their families during this transition period.