UK grandmother on Indonesia death row flies home

<br><br>**Title** A New Chapter UK Grandmother on Indonesia Death Row Flies Home<br><br>In a significant development, two British drug convicts, including a grandmother who had been on death row in Indonesia for over eight years, flew home early on Friday as part of a humanitarian repatriation deal. Lindsay Sandiford, 69, and Shahabadi, 36, left Bali on a Qatar Airways flight to London via Doha, accompanied by officials from Indonesia's law and human rights ministry.<br><br>Sandiford, who was sentenced to death in 2013 after being convicted of drug trafficking, had been imprisoned for nearly a decade. Her case drew international attention due to her advanced age and allegations that she was coerced into carrying drugs by a syndicate threatening to harm her son.<br><br>The repatriation of the two prisoners marks a notable step forward in Indonesia's efforts to humanize its justice system. Both Sandiford and Shahabadi were released from detention on humanitarian grounds, with their health issues cited as a primary factor in the decision. Sandiford suffered from severe health problems, while Shahabadi struggled with various serious illnesses, including mental health concerns.<br><br>The UK's deputy ambassador to Indonesia, Matthew Downing, emphasized the humanitarian nature of the move, stating that priority would be given to their health upon arrival. This development is significant not only for Sandiford and Shahabadi but also for Indonesia, which has faced criticism over its strict drug laws and high execution rate.<br><br>In recent years, the country has made efforts to reform its justice system by releasing several high-profile detainees, including foreign nationals. As of August, nearly 600 inmates were on death row in Indonesia, according to rights group KontraS. The repatriation of Sandiford and Shahabadi serves as a reminder that even in the face of strict laws, compassion and humanity can prevail.<br><br>**Keywords** Death Row, Drug Trafficking, Humanitarian Grounds, Repatriation, UK-Indonesia Bilateral Deal, Health Concerns