Australia says ‘Bali Nine’ drug smugglers have returned home

Australia says the five remaining members of the “Bali Nine” drug ring have returned home after almost 20 years in Indonesian prison.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: “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.”

He thanked Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto “for his compassion”.

The high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia caught nine young Australians trying to smuggle 8.3kg (18lb) of heroin out of Bali.

The case made news worldwide when two of the gang’s ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed by firing squad in 2015, sparking a row with Australia.

Australia’s government said of the release: “The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.”

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