Frenchman on Indonesian death row to be sent home

Frenchman Serge Atlaoui, on Indonesia’s death row since 2007 for drug offences, will be repatriated to France on February 4 following a deal between both nations. Arrested in 2005, Atlaoui claims innocence, stating he was unknowingly installing machinery in a drug factory. Initially sentenced to life, his penalty was later upgraded to death. Activists praised the transfer, citing his prolonged imprisonment. Indonesia, known for its strict drug laws, holds over 530 death row inmates, including 90 foreigners. Atlaoui’s transfer follows Indonesia’s release of several high-profile detainees and signals a possible resumption of executions after a 2016 hiatus.