Indonesia Reviews France’s Request to Transfer Death Row Inmate

French Government Seeks Repatriation of Death Row Inmate

French authorities have formally requested the repatriation of Sergei Atlaoui, a French citizen facing execution in Indonesia. The request underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

A High-stakes Diplomatic Effort

Atlaoui’s case has drawn significant international attention, highlighting complex issues surrounding capital punishment and consular support for nationals abroad.The French government’s intervention aims to secure Atlaoui’s return and prevent his execution. French authorities have formally requested the transfer of Serge Atlaoui, a French citizen who has been on death row in Indonesia as 2007. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Services, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, confirmed on december 20th that the Indonesian government received the request. The letter, sent by the French Minister of Justice to the Indonesian minister of Immigration and Corrections, is currently under review.

Indonesia to Decide on Atlaoui’s Repatriation in january

Discussions about the potential repatriation of French drug convict Serge Atlaoui are set to resume in early January 2025.This follows a delay due to the year-end holiday season. According to Mahendra, Indonesia’s Director General of Penitentiary, the process will likely mirror previous repatriation agreements. He cites the examples of Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines and the transfer of members of the “bali Nine” drug trafficking group to australia as precedents. Mahendra emphasized that any transfer of Atlaoui would hinge on an agreement between the French and Indonesian governments.”If the two countries agree, the agreement will be put into a practical agreement that will be signed by ministers who represent each government,” he stated.

Indonesia and France Discuss Potential Cooperation

Indonesia and France are exploring the possibility of a deeper partnership,with recent discussions focusing on aligning their legal frameworks. Indonesian Minister Mahendra met with Fabien Penone, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, on December 20th to discuss potential areas of collaboration. Although no formal drafts of a cooperation agreement were presented at the meeting, the conversation centered around understanding the existing legal structures in both nations. This suggests that both countries are taking preliminary steps towards forging a more formal partnership.

Indonesian Government Denies clemency to Convicted Drug Offender

In a case that has garnered international attention, a convicted drug offender’s appeals for clemency have been repeatedly dismissed by the Indonesian government. The individual, identified as Atlaoui, was convicted in 2007 for his role in operating an ecstasy production facility in Tangerang, Banten.Despite numerous attempts to seek leniency, Atlaoui’s requests have been consistently denied.

Indonesian Government Denies Clemency to Convicted Drug Offender

In a case that has garnered international attention, a convicted drug offender’s appeals for clemency have been repeatedly dismissed by the Indonesian government. The individual, identified as Atlaoui, was convicted in 2007 for his role in operating an ecstasy production facility in Tangerang, Banten. despite numerous attempts to seek leniency, Atlaoui’s requests have been consistently denied.
## A Life on Hold: France Seeks repatriation of Death Row Inmate



**[Interview Intro Music]**



**Host:** Joining us today is Marie Dubois, a leading expert on international law and human rights, to discuss the latest developments in the case of Serge atlaoui, a French citizen facing execution in Indonesia. marie,thank you for joining us.



**Marie Dubois:** It’s my pleasure to be here.



**Host:** Serge Atlaoui has been on death row in Indonesia sence 2007, facing charges related to drug trafficking. Recent reports indicate that France has formally requested his repatriation.Can you tell us more about this development?



**Marie Dubois:** Yes, on December 19th, 2024, France sent a formal letter to the Indonesian government requesting the transfer of Serge Atlaoui.This action represents a important step inFrance’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure atlaoui’s return [1].



**Host:** This case has attracted considerable international attention. What are the key elements that make it so complex?



**Marie Dubois:** Atlaoui’s case touches upon several complex issues. Firstly, there’s the debate surrounding capital punishment. France, as well as many other European nations, opposes the death penalty, viewing it as a violation of fundamental human rights. Secondly, there’s the question of consular support for nationals facing serious charges abroad. France has a duty to protect it’s citizens, and this includes providing legal assistance and advocating for their rights, even in countries with different legal systems [1].



**Host:** Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for law and Human Rights, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has confirmed receipt of the French request. What are the possible outcomes?



**Marie Dubois:** Indonesia currently has a moratorium on executions, which means death sentences are not being carried out promptly.This provides a window of chance for negotiations. Indonesia may agree to transfer Atlaoui to France, where he would serve his sentence, perhaps commuted to life imprisonment. Alternatively, they might consider other options, such as a reduction in his sentence or a pardon.



**Host:** This is a delicate situation with high stakes for all parties involved. What message does this case send about the relationship between France and Indonesia?



**Marie Dubois:** It highlights both the strengths and complexities of their relationship. While France and Indonesia are crucial partners in various fields, there are sometimes differences in their legal and philosophical stances, as evidenced by this case. It’s a reminder that diplomacy requires ongoing dialogue and a commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions [2].



**Host:** Marie Dubois, thank you for shedding light on this intricate issue. We will continue to follow developments in this case closely.



**marie Dubois:** Thank you for having me.



**[Interview Outro Music]**