National

Remaining Bali Nine members back on Australian soil

By AAP Newswire

Dec 15, 2024

The five remaining members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia.

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Australian citizens Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have arrived back in the country from Indonesia, the federal government said on Sunday.

The five men have served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia for serious drug offences.

I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens have returned to Australia this afternoon. â€” Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) I thank President Prabowo Subianto for his compassion.December 15, 2024

"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," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a joint statement on Sunday.

"This reflects the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect between Indonesia and Australia."

The Australian government had 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," the statement said."We ask that the media respect the privacy of the men and their families at this time."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press