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French Death Row Prisoner in Indonesia to Return Home Within Weeks

In a stunning turn of events, Serge Atlaoui, a 61-year-old French man who has been languishing on death row in Indonesia since 2007 on drug-related charges, is expected to finally return home to France in a matter of weeks. This surprising development comes after Indonesian and French officials reached an agreement to allow for Atlaoui’s transfer back to his home country.

15 Years on Indonesia’s Death Row

Atlaoui, a welder by trade, was arrested in 2005 at a factory outside Jakarta that was allegedly producing illegal drugs. Despite his insistence that he was merely installing machinery in what he believed to be an acrylics plant, Atlaoui was sentenced to life in prison. However, in a shocking move, Indonesia’s Supreme Court increased his sentence to death on appeal in 2007.

For over a decade and a half, Atlaoui has been held in various Indonesian prisons, including the notorious Nusakambangan island facility known as “Indonesia’s Alcatraz.” His case has been a constant source of tension between Jakarta and Paris, with French officials repeatedly pressing for clemency or a transfer to France.

A Last-Minute Reprieve

In 2015, Atlaoui came perilously close to being executed alongside eight other drug convicts, but was granted a temporary reprieve after intense pressure from the French government. Indonesia agreed to allow an outstanding legal appeal to run its course, potentially sparing Atlaoui from the firing squad.

“The agreement is due to be signed early Friday afternoon in Jakarta by Mr Yusril and Gérald Darmanin, the French justice minister, remotely from Paris, by videoconference.”

Source close to the discussions

An Unexpected Agreement

Now, after years of diplomatic wrangling and legal limbo, it appears that Atlaoui’s ordeal may finally be coming to an end. According to Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s Minister for Law and Human Rights Affairs, an agreement has been reached with French authorities to allow for Atlaoui’s transfer back to France.

The agreement is set to be signed on Friday in a virtual ceremony between Mahendra and French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. If all goes according to plan, Atlaoui could be on a plane back to France as early as February 5th or 6th.

Strict Drug Laws and Foreigner Executions

Indonesia is known for having some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with many offenses carrying the death penalty. The country has executed several foreign nationals on drug charges in recent years, often in the face of international condemnation and diplomatic pressure.

  • Over 150 people, mostly foreigners, are believed to be on death row in Indonesia for drug crimes
  • Indonesia has not carried out any executions since 2016, but officials have signaled they may resume soon

Hopes for Clemency and Repatriation

For Atlaoui and his family, the news of his impending transfer is the culmination of a long and painful struggle. The father of four has always maintained his innocence, insisting that he had no knowledge of any illicit activities at the factory where he was working.

While the exact details of the transfer agreement have not been made public, it is expected that Atlaoui will serve out the remainder of his sentence in France. His current health condition, which requires weekly hospital visits, likely added urgency to the efforts to secure his repatriation.

“Atlaoui is suffering from an illness in a Jakarta prison and receives weekly treatment at a hospital, raising the stakes of his transfer.”

News reports on Serge Atlaoui’s condition

A Rare Moment of Agreement

The agreement to allow Atlaoui to return to France represents a rare moment of accord between Indonesia and Western governments when it comes to the country’s strict drug laws and use of capital punishment. In recent years, Indonesia has resisted international pressure to make exceptions for foreign nationals facing execution.

The case also underscores the complexities and challenges involved in securing the release or transfer of citizens detained abroad, particularly when facing serious charges in countries with very different legal systems and cultural attitudes towards crime and punishment.

An Uncertain Future

While Atlaoui’s supporters are no doubt relieved at the prospect of his return to France, his future remains uncertain. It is unclear whether he will be required to serve additional time in French custody or if he will be granted some form of clemency upon his return.

Regardless of what awaits him back home, Atlaoui’s case stands as a stark reminder of the risks and potential consequences of becoming entangled in foreign legal systems, particularly when it comes to drug-related offenses. It also highlights the vital importance of diplomatic efforts and international cooperation in resolving complex consular cases involving citizens detained abroad.

As Serge Atlaoui prepares to leave behind his small cell in Indonesia and board a plane back to France, his story serves as a cautionary tale, a glimpse into the often opaque workings of international justice, and a testament to the unbreakable bonds of nationality and the enduring power of diplomacy and hope.