The Government of Indonesia has officially handed over British national Lindsay Sandiford, 68, who was sentenced to death for drug trafficking, and Shahabadi, 35, who was serving a life sentence, to the British government. The transfer took place on Thursday evening at Kerobokan Class IIA Prison in Bali.
“Following their return to the UK, these two British citizens will be under the laws and procedures of the British government,” Downing said during a press conference at the Kerobokan Class IIA Prison, in Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday (6/11) night.
During the official handover process, both prisoners were present as Indonesian and British officials signed the official transfer documents. According to reports from the Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the procedure was conducted in coordination with the British Embassy in Jakarta.
“And it’s very important for me not to speculate about this legal process,” he added.
Lindsay was seen wearing a white mask and covering her face with her hands during the event. She later left the prison in a wheelchair, assisted by correctional officers. Shahabadi, meanwhile, appeared seated and wore a blue mask throughout the proceedings.
British Embassy Confirms Return and Legal Procedures
Deputy British Ambassador to Indonesia Matthew Downing confirmed that Sandiford and Shahabadi have been officially repatriated to the United Kingdom. He explained that both prisoners would undergo procedures in accordance with British law upon arrival.
“But the first step that will be taken when they arrive in the UK, is that their helah condition will be thoroughly checked, treated, and rehabilitated,” he said.
He emphasized that the British government does not apply the death penalty under any circumstances.
“No, Britain does not recognize the death penalty,” he said.
When asked about the legal consequences Sandiford and Shahabadi may face upon return, Downing declined to provide details. He said the British government would not speculate on the form of punishment or treatment they might receive once back in the country.
Indonesian Authorities Outline Legal Framework
Deputy for Immigration and Corrections at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, said the final status of both prisoners would be determined by the British government.
“After later in the UK, the person concerned will also follow the rules that will be implemented by the British government. When he arrives in the UK, surely the person concerned will also be put in prison, if it is in our language,” he said.
He explained that Indonesia’s role ended with the completion of the transfer process, while any subsequent detention or legal review would depend on British authorities.
Surya Mataram drew a comparison to previous cases, such as that of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino drug trafficking convict whose return to the Philippines still resulted in continued detention in her home country.
“So for Lindsay and Shahab, after we hand it over to the UK, we are fully responsible for what legal decisions will be given there, but still pay attention to our legal decisions, what we give in Indonesia is still paid attention to by the British government,” he said.
Transfer Marks Conclusion of Indonesian Custody
The transfer ceremony at Kerobokan Prison marked the formal end of Sandiford’s and Shahabadi’s incarceration under Indonesian jurisdiction. Both individuals were handed over in accordance with existing international legal cooperation mechanisms.
Following the signing of the official handover documents, the two were immediately escorted out of the facility to begin the repatriation process.
The British Embassy confirmed that upon their arrival in the UK, the two prisoners would be subject to evaluation and procedures under British law. Further updates regarding their legal or custodial status are expected to be announced once the British authorities have completed the initial assessment.
