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Bali Sentences Brit Granny to Death Over Cocaine

She says gang forced her to smuggle the drug

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 22, 2013 4:48 AM CST

(AP) – An Indonesian court sentenced a British grandmother to death today for smuggling cocaine worth $2.5 million in her suitcase onto the resort island of Bali—even though prosecutors had sought only a 15-year sentence. Lindsay Sandiford, 56, wept when judges handed down the sentence and declined to speak to reporters on her way back to prison, covering her face with a floral scarf. She had claimed in court that she was forced to take the drugs into the country by a gang that was threatening to hurt her children. Click for more on her May 2012 bust.

Lindsay June Sandiford of Britain, right, listens to her interpreter during her sentencing at a courthouse in Bali today.
Lindsay June Sandiford of Britain, right, listens to her interpreter during her sentencing at a courthouse in Bali today.   (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
Lindsay June Sandiford of Britain, right, stands next to her interpreter as her verdict is announced at a courthouse in Bali today.
Lindsay June Sandiford of Britain, right, stands next to her interpreter as her verdict is announced at a courthouse in Bali today.   (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
HANKHILL
Jan 22, 2013 6:18 PM CST
i guess things dont always go better with coke!
Kookey90
Jan 22, 2013 4:56 PM CST
In many Asian countries as you arrive at the international terminal and before you hit customs there are mutli languaged signs that warn you that smuggling drugs into their country is punishable by death. I guess grandma here did not get the message. Smuggling cocaine worth $2.5 million in her suitcase was a big payday for the custom's folks. I assume she'll do the time, but for political reasons will not be put to death.
RAD45
Jan 22, 2013 4:31 PM CST
When a white, Christian woman dares to smuggle drugs into an Asian Muslim country where the death penalty is indicated for drug smuggling, you'd better be prepared for the worst!  Will they execute her? Probably not, but given the state of affairs between the East and the rest of the world, don't hold your breath.  The question is, what do they want in exchange for her life? 

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Indonesia • death sentence • Bali • drug smuggling • Lindsay Sandiford

 
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