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INDONESIA COURT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCE FOR BRITON
April 8, 2013: An Indonesian court upheld the death sentence against a British woman convicted of smuggling $2.5 million worth of cocaine into the resort island of Bali, a court official said.
The Bali High Court rejected an appeal from Lindsay June Sandiford, 56, who was convicted in January by a district court and sentenced to face a firing squad, said court spokesman Makkasau. The decision on her appeal came last week, and Sandiford has 14 days to appeal to the national Supreme Court, said Makkasau, who uses only one name like many Indonesians.
Sandiford was arrested last May when 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds) of cocaine was discovered stuffed inside the lining of her luggage at Bali's airport. During the trial, she said she was forced to carry the drugs by a gang that threatened to hurt her children.
Prosecutors had sought 15 years in prison for Sandiford, but the court surprised many by issuing the death sentence.
"We are disappointed to hear Lindsay Sandiford's appeal has been refused by the High Court in Bali," said Adam Rutland, spokesman for the British Embassy in Jakarta. "The UK strongly opposes the death penalty and has repeatedly made representations to the Indonesian government on this matter."
Four other defendants — three Britons and an Indian national — connected to the case were sentenced to jail terms ranging from one to six years.
Indonesia has very strict anti-drug laws and most of the more than 40 foreigners on its death row were convicted of drug charges. (Sources: AP, 08/04/2013)
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