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Thanjai farmers in a spot as unseasonal heat affects availability of groundwater in TN
Thanjai farmers in a spot as unseasonal heat affects availability of groundwater in TN

New Indian Express

time4 days ago

  • Climate
  • New Indian Express

Thanjai farmers in a spot as unseasonal heat affects availability of groundwater in TN

THANJAVUR: Farmers in parts of the district left to rely on groundwater for irrigation complain that the unseasonal hot weather conditions prevailing over the past two weeks has led to a dip in the water table, forcing them to incur additional expenses in irrigating their crops. Mentioning them too facing such inconvenience due to canal water not reaching their areas, farmers in the tail-end region demand withdrawal of the internal turn system and release water simultaneously into all branch canals of the Grand Anicut Canal (GAC). The temperature in Thanjavur has been breaching the 100 degree Fahrenheit mark for several days over the past two weeks. R Sukumaran of Kakkarai in Orathanadu said, 'Usually the temperature in July will not be this high. It would be high only during May-June.' With River Cauvery water released into the GA canal also not reaching the tail-end areas, the hot weather conditions have led to the water table to fall in Orathanadu and surrounding areas, he added. 'Adding to this there has been voltage problems. Hence we aren't able to pump enough groundwater for kuruvai paddy transplantation,' Sukumaran said, adding that transplantation work in areas like Kakkarai, Poovathur, Kannanthangudi and Tirunallar have hence been affected.

Prithviraj's mother Mallika's life ‘would have been ruined if Sukumaran hadn't married her' after failed first marriage: ‘He had only Rs 4,695 in his account, but…'
Prithviraj's mother Mallika's life ‘would have been ruined if Sukumaran hadn't married her' after failed first marriage: ‘He had only Rs 4,695 in his account, but…'

Indian Express

time07-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Indian Express

Prithviraj's mother Mallika's life ‘would have been ruined if Sukumaran hadn't married her' after failed first marriage: ‘He had only Rs 4,695 in his account, but…'

While nepotism continues to plague most film industries across the country, offering star kids with little to no talent one substantial project after another, there have also been moments, though few and far between, when nepotism gifted Indian cinema with genuine talent. Among the finest examples are the power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Malayalam cinema, at the same time, has rarely accepted nepo babies without them proving their artistic ability. Those who did make it through, after enduring multiple rounds of rigorous competition, became valuable additions to the industry's rich tapestry. Among such rare examples are the sibling duo Indrajith and Prithviraj, sons of the late Malayalam superstar Sukumaran and actor Mallika Sukumaran. Although it has been 28 years since Sukumaran passed away, Mallika still fondly remembers him at every opportunity, thus keeping his memory alive. In one interview, she candidly stated that her life would have been completely ruined had he not come into it. For the unversed, Mallika was initially married to actor Jagathy Sreekumar, but the marriage ended soon, after which she tied the knot with Sukumaran. 'It would have been a mess,' she said during a 2022 interview with Manorama News, when asked how her life would have turned out had she not met Sukumaran. 'For Mallika to have an identity again, my father and my family would have had to call me back,' she said, recalling her marriage to Jagathy against her family's wishes. 'Afterwards, I might have gotten remarried and gone on a different path. But for sure, I couldn't have thought of staying in the film industry. Besides, that mental anguish from the first marriage would have always been with me in life. Without making me feel any of that, Sukumaran looked after me like a princess.' Describing him as a gem of a person, Mallika admitted that, at first, she thought he was a bit of a brawler. While he was short-tempered, she said, there was so much goodness in his heart, which the film industry never truly got to see. She also noted that the one thing Sukumaran hated most was lying, particularly since he didn't know how to flatter people. Recalling facing accusations that she married Sukumaran for his money, Mallika said it was he who gave the more fitting reply, backed by proof. 'He married me when he had only Rs 4,695 in his Canara Bank account in Vadapalani. At the time, he lived in a rented house shared with director IV Sasi, Murali Movies Ramachandran and actor Kuthiravattam Pappu,' she said. She also recalled how Sukumaran played a key role in re-establishing her career by helping her land the opportunity to dub for actor Seema in Avalude Ravukal (1978), a landmark film in Malayalam cinema. It was shortly after this that the two got married, and she eventually retired from acting. Malayalam cinema 6-month report card | Disappointment of most hyped movie, tables turning between superstars and more Sukumaran passed away in 1997 at the age of 49 following a sudden heart attack. After his death, it was Mallika who raised Indrajith and Prithviraj. Speaking about his mother, Prithviraj once said, 'I believe my mother's life story is remarkable. It's natural for children to see it that way, isn't it? She faced numerous challenges. Her first marriage failed. And yet, she faced difficulties in returning home… Difficulties in presenting this matter to the family. During that time, like a fairy tale, Malayalam cinema's biggest star (Sukumaran) fell in love with Amma. Thus, she navigated through a new life, remarried, settled down, and enjoyed 23 years of marital bliss.' He added, 'But my father's sudden passing caught us all off guard. None of us expected that he would leave so soon. One day he was there, and the next day he wasn't. Overnight, I saw a woman, who had spent 23 years as a devoted mother and wife, taking control of everything. I was just starting Class 10, and my brother was about to enter engineering college. If my mother had faltered, perhaps my brother and I wouldn't be where we are today.'

Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation
Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation

News.com.au

time28-04-2025

  • News.com.au

Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation

Ten years have passed since Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran faced a firing squad in Indonesia, capping one of the most controversial drug-smuggling cases in Australian and Indonesian history. The Bali Nine, made up of nine young Australians, were arrested in April 2005 after attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin, worth around $4m, into Australia from Indonesia. A decade later, in the early hours of April 29, 2015, Chan and Sukumaran were executed by firing squad on Nusakambangan Island, Indonesia. The executions took place after midnight local time, around 3am AEST, and were confirmed by the Indonesian Attorney-General's office shortly afterwards. In their final hours, both men were surrounded by loved ones. Chan, having become a committed Christian, married his fiancee in a private ceremony on the eve of his execution. Sukumaran, a prolific artist during his time in prison, continued to paint until the end. Six months before the Bali Nine arrests, the world's media had already been focused on Bali due to the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby, who was arrested in October 2004 for attempting to smuggle 4.2 kilograms of cannabis into Indonesia. The media frenzy surrounding Corby's arrest and subsequent trial intensified the global scrutiny on Indonesia's handling of foreign nationals involved in drug-related offences, creating a tense atmosphere for the Bali Nine case. The operation was led by Chan and Sukumaran, who were the masterminds behind the scheme. The Australian Federal Police monitored Chan, Sukumaran, Renae Lawrence and Matthew Norman, before alerting Indonesian authorities about the group's movements Indonesian police then began surveillance on the group, which lasted for a week before their arrests on April 17, 2005. Six of the group were arrested Denpasar Airport, with others detained at the Maslati Hotel in Kuta where heroin was discovered in the possession of several members. Among those arrested were ringleaders Chan and Sukumaran, along with Lawrence, the only female member of the group, Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Woo Sze Kwan. The arrests sent shockwaves through both Australia and Indonesia and the media quickly dubbed them the 'Bali Nine'. The trials began in October 2005, with all nine members facing drug trafficking charges. Seven were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Chan and Sukumaran were handed the death penalty. It was a shocking decision as it marked the first time the Denpasar District Court had imposed the death sentence for drug trafficking. The decision sparked widespread protests and public outcry, particularly in Australia, with numerous attempts to reduce Chan and Sukumaran's death sentences rejected by Indonesian courts. The two men spent years in prison, where they gained international attention for their transformation and rehabilitation. Sukumaran, a skilled painter, and Chan, who converted to Christianity, became symbols of the possibility of redemption, with many advocating for clemency. Despite all avenues being exhausted, however, there was no leniency. Following their execution, the families of the two men said the pair 'did all they could to make amends, helping many others'. 'They asked for mercy, but there was none. They were immensely grateful for all the support they received,' a statement read. Their deaths prompted strong reactions across Australia, with political leaders, including then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, vocally opposing the death penalty. 'These executions are both cruel and unnecessary; cruel because both Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran spent some decade in jail before being executed, and unnecessary, because both of these young Australians were fully rehabilitated while in prison,' the former prime minister said. Mr Abbott said that while Australia respected Indonesia's sovereignty, 'this cannot be simply business as usual'. Australia withdrew its ambassador in protest and ministerial contacts between the two countries were also suspended. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten and former deputy leader Tanya Plibersek condemned the move 'in the strongest possible terms'. 'Our best hopes have been dashed and our worst fears realised,' they said in a joint statement. 'These two young men made a dreadful mistake. By all accounts they spent every minute since seeking to mend their ways and to steer others on the road to redemption – proof the justice system could reform wrongdoers, not just punish wrongdoing. Yet today, they were made to pay for one stupid decision of 10 years ago with their lives.' Former New South Wales Premier Mike Baird described the loss as a 'cruel and devastating loss'. Former AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin and former Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan held a press conference following the executions to address the AFP's role in the operation. Mr Colvin defended the AFP's decision to inform Indonesia about the Bali Nine drug smuggling operation, explaining that at the time, the AFP did not have enough evidence to arrest the Australians before they left for Indonesia. 'At the time we were working with a very incomplete picture,' Mr Colvin said, adding that the AFP had not known all the individuals involved or the full scope of the plans. He explained that it was 'operationally appropriate' for the AFP to co-operate with Indonesian authorities to gather more information. However, the decision to co-operate has been met with criticism. Barrister Bob Myers, a family friend of Bali Nine member Scott Rush, claimed that the AFP was complicit in the operation and should have intervened to stop the group from travelling to Indonesia. Mr Myers argued that the AFP had sufficient information to arrest the couriers when they returned to Australia. Mr Colvin, however, rejected the claims and said the AFP needed more details about the wider drug syndicate to take meaningful action. Mr Phelan acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, revealing that while he was aware of the potential death penalty facing those arrested, he felt that the information-sharing was necessary to combat the broader drug trade. 'I've agonised over it for 10 years now,' Mr Phelan said. 'But given what I knew at that particular time, and what our officers knew, I would take a lot of convincing to make a different decision. 'I've seen the misery that drugs causes to tens of thousands of families in this country.' Mr Colvin said the AFP has since strengthened its protocols around dealing with countries that have the death penalty. 'We have to protect all members of the community. This was a very difficult decision,' Mr Colvin said. 'Operationally, it was a sound decision but that doesn't mean there were not human factors in it.' Since the execution of Chan and Sukumaran, the remaining members of the Bali Nine have served lengthy prison sentences. After years of legal battles and shifting sentences, several members were released or had their sentences reduced. Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 after serving 13 years in prison, while Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, who had been sentenced to death, died from cancer in 2018. In late 2024, the remaining five members, Michael Czugaj, Si Yi Chen, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens, were finally freed after serving nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. This was the result of a deal negotiated between the Australian government and Indonesia, which saw the men return to Australia on humanitarian grounds. The men, now in their late 30s and early 40s, have expressed their relief at finally being able to reintegrate into Australian society, though all are banned from returning to Indonesia.

Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation
Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation

West Australian

time28-04-2025

  • West Australian

Ten years on: Remembering the Bali Nine executions that shocked a nation

Ten years have passed since Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran faced a firing squad in Indonesia, capping one of the most controversial drug-smuggling cases in Australian and Indonesian history. The Bali Nine, made up of nine young Australians, were arrested in April 2005 after attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin, worth around $4m, into Australia from Indonesia. A decade later, in the early hours of April 29, 2015, Chan and Sukumaran were executed by firing squad on Nusakambangan Island, Indonesia. The executions took place after midnight local time, around 3am AEST, and were confirmed by the Indonesian Attorney-General's office shortly afterwards. In their final hours, both men were surrounded by loved ones. Chan, having become a committed Christian, married his fiancee in a private ceremony on the eve of his execution. Sukumaran, a prolific artist during his time in prison, continued to paint until the end. Six months before the Bali Nine arrests, the world's media had already been focused on Bali due to the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby, who was arrested in October 2004 for attempting to smuggle 4.2 kilograms of cannabis into Indonesia. The media frenzy surrounding Corby's arrest and subsequent trial intensified the global scrutiny on Indonesia's handling of foreign nationals involved in drug-related offences, creating a tense atmosphere for the Bali Nine case. The operation was led by Chan and Sukumaran, who were the masterminds behind the scheme. The Australian Federal Police monitored Chan, Sukumaran, Renae Lawrence and Matthew Norman, before alerting Indonesian authorities about the group's movements Indonesian police then began surveillance on the group, which lasted for a week before their arrests on April 17, 2005. Six of the group were arrested Denpasar Airport, with others detained at the Maslati Hotel in Kuta where heroin was discovered in the possession of several members. Among those arrested were ringleaders Chan and Sukumaran, along with Lawrence, the only female member of the group, Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Woo Sze Kwan. The arrests sent shockwaves through both Australia and Indonesia and the media quickly dubbed them the 'Bali Nine'. The trials began in October 2005, with all nine members facing drug trafficking charges. Seven were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Chan and Sukumaran were handed the death penalty. It was a shocking decision as it marked the first time the Denpasar District Court had imposed the death sentence for drug trafficking. The decision sparked widespread protests and public outcry, particularly in Australia, with numerous attempts to reduce Chan and Sukumaran's death sentences rejected by Indonesian courts. The two men spent years in prison, where they gained international attention for their transformation and rehabilitation. Sukumaran, a skilled painter, and Chan, who converted to Christianity, became symbols of the possibility of redemption, with many advocating for clemency. Despite all avenues being exhausted, however, there was no leniency. Following their execution, the families of the two men said the pair 'did all they could to make amends, helping many others'. 'They asked for mercy, but there was none. They were immensely grateful for all the support they received,' a statement read. Their deaths prompted strong reactions across Australia, with political leaders, including then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, vocally opposing the death penalty. 'These executions are both cruel and unnecessary; cruel because both Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran spent some decade in jail before being executed, and unnecessary, because both of these young Australians were fully rehabilitated while in prison,' the former prime minister said. Mr Abbott said that while Australia respected Indonesia's sovereignty, 'this cannot be simply business as usual'. Australia withdrew its ambassador in protest and ministerial contacts between the two countries were also suspended. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten and former deputy leader Tanya Plibersek condemned the move 'in the strongest possible terms'. 'Our best hopes have been dashed and our worst fears realised,' they said in a joint statement. 'These two young men made a dreadful mistake. By all accounts they spent every minute since seeking to mend their ways and to steer others on the road to redemption – proof the justice system could reform wrongdoers, not just punish wrongdoing. Yet today, they were made to pay for one stupid decision of 10 years ago with their lives.' Former New South Wales Premier Mike Baird described the loss as a 'cruel and devastating loss'. Former AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin and former Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan held a press conference following the executions to address the AFP's role in the operation. Mr Colvin defended the AFP's decision to inform Indonesia about the Bali Nine drug smuggling operation, explaining that at the time, the AFP did not have enough evidence to arrest the Australians before they left for Indonesia. 'At the time we were working with a very incomplete picture,' Mr Colvin said, adding that the AFP had not known all the individuals involved or the full scope of the plans. He explained that it was 'operationally appropriate' for the AFP to co-operate with Indonesian authorities to gather more information. However, the decision to co-operate has been met with criticism. Barrister Bob Myers, a family friend of Bali Nine member Scott Rush, claimed that the AFP was complicit in the operation and should have intervened to stop the group from travelling to Indonesia. Mr Myers argued that the AFP had sufficient information to arrest the couriers when they returned to Australia. Mr Colvin, however, rejected the claims and said the AFP needed more details about the wider drug syndicate to take meaningful action. Mr Phelan acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, revealing that while he was aware of the potential death penalty facing those arrested, he felt that the information-sharing was necessary to combat the broader drug trade. 'I've agonised over it for 10 years now,' Mr Phelan said. 'But given what I knew at that particular time, and what our officers knew, I would take a lot of convincing to make a different decision. 'I've seen the misery that drugs causes to tens of thousands of families in this country.' Mr Colvin said the AFP has since strengthened its protocols around dealing with countries that have the death penalty. 'We have to protect all members of the community. This was a very difficult decision,' Mr Colvin said. 'Operationally, it was a sound decision but that doesn't mean there were not human factors in it.' Since the execution of Chan and Sukumaran, the remaining members of the Bali Nine have served lengthy prison sentences. After years of legal battles and shifting sentences, several members were released or had their sentences reduced. Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 after serving 13 years in prison, while Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, who had been sentenced to death, died from cancer in 2018. In late 2024, the remaining five members, Michael Czugaj, Si Yi Chen, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens, were finally freed after serving nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. This was the result of a deal negotiated between the Australian government and Indonesia, which saw the men return to Australia on humanitarian grounds. The men, now in their late 30s and early 40s, have expressed their relief at finally being able to reintegrate into Australian society, though all are banned from returning to Indonesia.

Ten years since Bali Nine executions
Ten years since Bali Nine executions

Perth Now

time28-04-2025

  • Perth Now

Ten years since Bali Nine executions

Ten years have passed since Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran faced a firing squad in Indonesia, capping one of the most controversial drug-smuggling cases in Australian and Indonesian history. The Bali Nine, made up of nine young Australians, were arrested in April 2005 after attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin, worth around $4m, into Australia from Indonesia. A decade later, in the early hours of April 29, 2015, Chan and Sukumaran were executed by firing squad on Nusakambangan Island, Indonesia. The executions took place after midnight local time, around 3am AEST, and were confirmed by the Indonesian Attorney-General's office shortly afterwards. In their final hours, both men were surrounded by loved ones. Chan, having become a committed Christian, married his fiancee in a private ceremony on the eve of his execution. Sukumaran, a prolific artist during his time in prison, continued to paint until the end. Andrew Chan (left) and Myuran Sukumaran watch a game of tennis inside the Kerobokan Prison. Supplied Credit: Supplied Six months before the Bali Nine arrests, the world's media had already been focused on Bali due to the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby, who was arrested in October 2004 for attempting to smuggle 4.2 kilograms of cannabis into Indonesia. The media frenzy surrounding Corby's arrest and subsequent trial intensified the global scrutiny on Indonesia's handling of foreign nationals involved in drug-related offences, creating a tense atmosphere for the Bali Nine case. The operation was led by Chan and Sukumaran, who were the masterminds behind the scheme. The Australian Federal Police monitored Chan, Sukumaran, Renae Lawrence and Matthew Norman, before alerting Indonesian authorities about the group's movements Indonesian police then began surveillance on the group, which lasted for a week before their arrests on April 17, 2005. Andrew Chan, second right, Matthew Norman, far right, Myuran Sukumaran, third right, and Michael Czugaj, far left, arrive in the Denpasar court district, Bali, Indonesia, on Dec. 20, 2005. AP / Firdia Lisnawati Credit: Supplied Six of the group were arrested Denpasar Airport, with others detained at the Maslati Hotel in Kuta where heroin was discovered in the possession of several members. Among those arrested were ringleaders Chan and Sukumaran, along with Lawrence, the only female member of the group, Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Woo Sze Kwan. The arrests sent shockwaves through both Australia and Indonesia and the media quickly dubbed them the 'Bali Nine'. The trials began in October 2005, with all nine members facing drug trafficking charges. Seven were sentenced to life imprisonment, while Chan and Sukumaran were handed the death penalty. It was a shocking decision as it marked the first time the Denpasar District Court had imposed the death sentence for drug trafficking. The decision sparked widespread protests and public outcry, particularly in Australia, with numerous attempts to reduce Chan and Sukumaran's death sentences rejected by Indonesian courts. Myuran Sukumaran pictured on the tarmac at Cilacap airport after his arrest. Supplied Credit: Supplied The two men spent years in prison, where they gained international attention for their transformation and rehabilitation. Sukumaran, a skilled painter, and Chan, who converted to Christianity, became symbols of the possibility of redemption, with many advocating for clemency. Despite all avenues being exhausted, however, there was no leniency. Following their execution, the families of the two men said the pair 'did all they could to make amends, helping many others'. 'They asked for mercy, but there was none. They were immensely grateful for all the support they received,' a statement read. Bali Nine members Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens, and Michael Czugaj. Supplied Credit: NewsWire Their deaths prompted strong reactions across Australia, with political leaders, including then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, vocally opposing the death penalty. 'These executions are both cruel and unnecessary; cruel because both Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran spent some decade in jail before being executed, and unnecessary, because both of these young Australians were fully rehabilitated while in prison,' the former prime minister said. Mr Abbott said that while Australia respected Indonesia's sovereignty, 'this cannot be simply business as usual'. Australia withdrew its ambassador in protest and ministerial contacts between the two countries were also suspended. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten and former deputy leader Tanya Plibersek condemned the move 'in the strongest possible terms'. 'Our best hopes have been dashed and our worst fears realised,' they said in a joint statement. 'These two young men made a dreadful mistake. By all accounts they spent every minute since seeking to mend their ways and to steer others on the road to redemption – proof the justice system could reform wrongdoers, not just punish wrongdoing. Yet today, they were made to pay for one stupid decision of 10 years ago with their lives.' Former New South Wales Premier Mike Baird described the loss as a 'cruel and devastating loss'. Myuran Sukumaran, right and Andrew Chan, left, stand in front of their cell during an Indonesian Independence Day celebration at Kerobokan prison in Bali, Indonesia. AP / Firdia Lisnawati Credit: Supplied Former AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin and former Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan held a press conference following the executions to address the AFP's role in the operation. Mr Colvin defended the AFP's decision to inform Indonesia about the Bali Nine drug smuggling operation, explaining that at the time, the AFP did not have enough evidence to arrest the Australians before they left for Indonesia. 'At the time we were working with a very incomplete picture,' Mr Colvin said, adding that the AFP had not known all the individuals involved or the full scope of the plans. He explained that it was 'operationally appropriate' for the AFP to co-operate with Indonesian authorities to gather more information. However, the decision to co-operate has been met with criticism. Barrister Bob Myers, a family friend of Bali Nine member Scott Rush, claimed that the AFP was complicit in the operation and should have intervened to stop the group from travelling to Indonesia. Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen during their trial on January 11, 2006. Photo. Lukman S Bintoro Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Myers argued that the AFP had sufficient information to arrest the couriers when they returned to Australia. Mr Colvin, however, rejected the claims and said the AFP needed more details about the wider drug syndicate to take meaningful action. Mr Phelan acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, revealing that while he was aware of the potential death penalty facing those arrested, he felt that the information-sharing was necessary to combat the broader drug trade. 'I've agonised over it for 10 years now,' Mr Phelan said. 'But given what I knew at that particular time, and what our officers knew, I would take a lot of convincing to make a different decision. 'I've seen the misery that drugs causes to tens of thousands of families in this country.' Mr Colvin said the AFP has since strengthened its protocols around dealing with countries that have the death penalty. 'We have to protect all members of the community. This was a very difficult decision,' Mr Colvin said. 'Operationally, it was a sound decision but that doesn't mean there were not human factors in it.' Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen arrive in Melbourne after spending over 20 years at the infamous Kerobokan Prison in Bali on December 20, 2024. Photo: NewsWire/Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Since the execution of Chan and Sukumaran, the remaining members of the Bali Nine have served lengthy prison sentences. After years of legal battles and shifting sentences, several members were released or had their sentences reduced. Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 after serving 13 years in prison, while Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, who had been sentenced to death, died from cancer in 2018. In late 2024, the remaining five members, Michael Czugaj, Si Yi Chen, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens, were finally freed after serving nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. This was the result of a deal negotiated between the Australian government and Indonesia, which saw the men return to Australia on humanitarian grounds. The men, now in their late 30s and early 40s, have expressed their relief at finally being able to reintegrate into Australian society, though all are banned from returning to Indonesia.

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