Archive · 7 Nov 2025
British Woman on Death Row Repatriated from Indonesia
A 69-year-old British lady named Lindsay Sandiford was sent back to the UK from Indonesia.
She was on death row in Indonesia because she was caught with a lot of cocaine, worth millions of dollars, when she arrived on a plane.
Indonesia and the UK agreed to let her come home because she is old and not feeling well.
She will now finish serving her punishment in Britain.
Another British person, Shahab Shahabadi, who was serving a life sentence for drugs, also returned to the UK with her.
The agreement is like a trade, where the UK can also ask for Indonesians in the UK to be sent back home if needed.
Lindsay appeared in a wheelchair at a press conference before she left but didn't speak.
A 69-year-old British woman, Lindsay Sandiford, was repatriated from Indonesia to the UK.
Sandiford was on death row in Indonesia for drug offenses after being found with 4.8 kg of cocaine in 2013.
The repatriation was agreed upon by both countries on humanitarian grounds due to her age and ill health.
Another British national, Shahab Shahabadi, serving a life sentence for drug offenses, was also repatriated.
The agreement is reciprocal, allowing Indonesia to request the return of its citizens from the UK.
- Who
- Lindsay Sandiford, a 69-year-old British woman, and Shahab Shahabadi, another British national.
- What
- Repatriated from Indonesia to the UK after being on death row and serving a life sentence, respectively, for drug offences.
- When
- Early Friday morning.
- Where
- Departed from Bali, Indonesia, heading to London.
- Why
- A deal was reached between Indonesia and London on humanitarian grounds, citing Sandiford's age and ill health.
UK Government Stance
Indonesian Government Stance
Humanitarian Grounds for Repatriation
UK Government Stance
The UK emphasized the agreement was on humanitarian grounds, citing Sandiford's age and ill health.
Indonesian Government Stance
The Indonesian government agreed to repatriation due to Sandiford's age and ill health, facilitating her return to complete her sentence.
Legal Consequences in Home Country
UK Government Stance
Britain's deputy ambassador stated Sandiford would be governed by UK law and procedures, but declined to speculate on specific legal processes.
Indonesian Government Stance
Indonesia agreed to the repatriation, with the understanding that Sandiford would complete her sentence in Britain, implying continued legal consequences.
Reciprocity of Repatriation Deal
UK Government Stance
Britain's deputy ambassador confirmed the agreement is reciprocal, allowing Indonesia to request the return of its citizens from the UK.
Indonesian Government Stance
Indonesia secured the repatriation of Sandiford and another prisoner, demonstrating its willingness to engage in reciprocal prisoner transfer agreements.
- Name
- Lindsay Sandiford
- Age
- 69
- Nationality
- British
- Original Sentence
- Death row (sentenced in 2013)
- Crime
- Drug offences (possession of 4.8 kg cocaine)
- Estimated Value of Cocaine
- More than $2 million
- Departure Date
- Early Friday
- Departure Location
- Bali, Indonesia