The fate of Lindsay Sandiford, the British grandmother found guilty of cocaine smuggling in Bali, could be sealed within weeks after Indonesia indicated its intention to resume executions.
The state has not conducted executions since 2008, a pause that had reportedly given hope to the 12 inmates currently on death row. Government sources are reported to have revealed that it was the high-profile conviction of 56-year-old Mrs Sandiford that led to the announcement.
In May last year, police in Bali said they had found almost 5kg of cocaine, worth £1.6m, in the lining of a suitcase carried by Mrs Sandiord, who lives in Redcar, as she passed through Bali airport. But Mrs Sandiford claimed she had been forced into taking the drugs into the country by gangsters who were threatening one of her children.
Mr Basrief said that the halt in executions since 2008 had been due to long appeals processes, which he wanted shortened. The deadline for her to lodge an appeal has been set for 12 February, but she is reportedly faces financial difficulties a lawyer.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies