Five Bali Nine Members Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj Return to Australia After 19 Years

Dec 15, 2024, 08:31 AM

Five members of the Bali Nine drug ring have returned to Australia after serving nearly 20 years in Indonesian prison. The group, which was involved in a 2005 heroin smuggling operation, included Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj. Their return follows extensive negotiations between the Australian federal government and Indonesian authorities aimed at securing their release. The prisoners had been serving life sentences, and their release marks the end of a long saga that has periodically strained diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia. The Australian government confirmed their arrival back home, where they will now live freely in the community.