Indonesia and France have signed an agreement to repatriate Serge Atlaoui, a French man on death row since 2007 for drug offenses. Atlaoui maintains his innocence and has requested to serve his sentence in France, which limits sentences for serious crimes to 30 years. The agreement indicates a growing legal cooperation between both nations, amid ongoing concerns about Indonesia’s strict drug laws and practices.
Indonesia has reached an agreement with France to repatriate Serge Atlaoui, a French national who has spent 20 years on death row for drug-related offenses. Atlaoui, arrested in 2005, was accused of being involved in the production of MDMA. Despite his claim of innocence and stating he was merely a welder, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later escalated to death in 2007.
Following his request to serve his time in France, where the maximum sentence for serious crimes is 30 years, the official transfer process is set for February 4. The signing of the transfer agreement took place remotely, with Indonesia’s Minister of Law, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and France’s Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, in attendance. Their collaboration signifies an effort to enhance legal cooperation between the two nations.
France’s ambassador to Indonesia expressed gratitude for Atlaoui’s repatriation, stating, “We want to develop our legal cooperation in a much more straightforward way.” This case has garnered significant attention in France, a nation that abolished the death penalty in 1981 and actively opposes its use worldwide.
Last month, five Australians, known as the “Bali Nine,” who were also imprisoned for drug smuggling, were allowed to return home after almost two decades in prison. Despite Indonesia’s strict drug laws, the country continues to grapple with drug trafficking, with approximately 530 people currently on death row. Many of these offenders are imprisoned for drug-related crimes, with nearly 100 being foreign nationals.
In conclusion, the repatriation of Serge Atlaoui marks a significant development in Indonesia’s legal dealings with France, highlighting the complexities of drug laws and sentencing in the region. As international pressures against the death penalty grow, such cases may influence future diplomatic relations and legal practices. Indonesia’s ongoing struggle with drug trafficking signals an urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
