Home Europe Serge Atlaoui returns to France after nearly 20 years on Indonesian death row

Serge Atlaoui returns to France after nearly 20 years on Indonesian death row

by editor

In a significant development, French national Serge Atlaoui has been repatriated from Indonesia after spending close to two decades behind bars on death row. His transfer, facilitated by a bilateral agreement between France and Indonesia, took place on Tuesday as he was escorted from Salemba Prison to Jakarta’s airport.

Atlaoui, aged 61, was arrested in 2005 and subsequently sentenced to death in 2007 for his alleged involvement in an MDMA manufacturing operation just outside of Jakarta. Throughout his incarceration, Atlaoui has steadfastly maintained his innocence, asserting that he was unaware of any illegal activities occurring at the site where he worked as a welder. He claimed that he believed he was installing equipment for a legitimate acrylics factory and had no knowledge of the harmful chemicals present.

“At the time of my arrest, I was a welder installing equipment at what I believed was an acrylics factory,” Atlaoui stated.

The Indonesian authorities, however, labeled him as a “chemist” involved in the drug operation. His initial sentence was life imprisonment, but following an appeal, Indonesia’s Supreme Court escalated the punishment to the death penalty. In 2015, he narrowly escaped execution by a firing squad after French authorities intervened as he had an unresolved appeal.

Fast forward to December 2023, Atlaoui, facing deteriorating health and reportedly diagnosed with cancer, formally requested to complete his sentence in France. After negotiations, a prisoner transfer agreement was signed remotely by Indonesia’s senior law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and French justice minister, Gérald Darmanin, on January 24, 2024, paving the way for his return.

On Tuesday afternoon, Atlaoui was transported from prison to the airport, where he was set to board a flight to Paris. His arrival in France is anticipated to take place on Wednesday morning, although he chose not to address the media present outside the prison.

Indonesia’s strict drug laws and recent prisoner transfers

Indonesia is recognized for having some of the toughest drug laws globally, with approximately 530 prisoners currently on death row, including nearly 100 foreign nationals. Notably, the country has not conducted any executions since 2016.

Atlaoui’s repatriation aligns with a trend of similar prisoner transfers from Indonesia. In December, the country returned Filipina national Mary Jane Veloso, who had also been on death row since 2015, following prolonged diplomatic efforts by the Philippine government. Additionally, five Australians convicted of heroin trafficking were sent back to Australia under a separate agreement.

Judicial reforms and future considerations

Amidst severe overcrowding in its prisons, Jakarta is currently contemplating new legislation concerning amnesty and prisoner transfers as part of broader judicial reform initiatives. This move might signify a shift in Indonesia’s approach toward handling its prison population and ongoing international relations.

Related Posts