Indonesia has signed a deal to repatriate Serge Atlaoui, a French national on death row since 2007 for drug offenses. Atlaoui maintains his innocence and will return to France on February 4. The agreement reinforces cooperation between Indonesia and France, especially concerning legal matters. The case draws attention to Indonesia’s strict drug laws and the broader implications of international drug trafficking.
The Indonesian government is set to repatriate Serge Atlaoui, a French citizen who has been on death row since 2007 for alleged drug offenses. This agreement follows a similar precedent, as five Australian nationals recently returned home after serving lengthy prison sentences for drug smuggling. Atlaoui will be repatriated to France on February 4.
Serge Atlaoui was arrested in 2005 for allegedly participating in a factory producing the drug MDMA. Accused of serving as a chemist in this operation on the outskirts of Jakarta, he has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was merely employed as a welder and unaware of the factory’s operations. Initially sentenced to life in prison, his punishment was escalated to death by the Supreme Court in 2007.
Atlaoui’s request to serve the remainder of his sentence in France was submitted last month, noting that the maximum sentence for serious offenses in France is 30 years. A formal repatriation agreement was signed recently by Indonesia’s Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra and France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government, stating, “We want to develop our legal cooperation in a much more straightforward way.” Mahendra clarified that upon Atlaoui’s transfer, the management of his case would be under French jurisdiction, allowing France the discretion to grant clemency if desired.
Atlaoui’s plight is particularly notable in France, which has opposed the death penalty since its abolition in 1981. In 2015, despite a stay during a court appeal, Atlaoui’s legal challenges were ultimately unsuccessful. His repatriation news follows closely after the transfer of the “Bali Nine” members, who also served long sentences for drug offenses.
The ongoing issue of drug-related crime in Indonesia remains severe, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicating that the country is a significant drug smuggling hub. Despite stringent laws, Indonesia faces persistent challenges from international drug syndicates targeting its young population. The UNODC reports an alarming rise in the trafficking of amphetamines exiting Indonesia, approaching rates seen in Europe.
The repatriation of Serge Atlaoui highlights the complexities surrounding international drug laws and the death penalty. Atlaoui’s long-standing claims of innocence, coupled with France’s opposition to capital punishment, have culminated in a significant bilateral agreement. As Indonesia continues to grapple with its drug laws, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing global dialogue surrounding drug trafficking and human rights.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
