France Urges Indonesia to Transfer Death Row Inmate Serge Atlaoui
The French government has formally requested the repatriation of Serge Atlaoui, a Frenchman sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug-related charges, as part of ongoing prisoner transfer discussions.
- Serge Atlaoui, a 60-year-old Frenchman and father of four, has been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2005 on charges of drug trafficking, which he denies.
- Atlaoui was initially sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was increased to the death penalty in 2007 following an appeal by the prosecution.
- France's Justice Minister issued a formal request on November 4 for Atlaoui's transfer, which is under discussion with Indonesian authorities alongside cases involving prisoners from the Philippines and Australia.
- Atlaoui's legal team and advocates argue for clemency, citing his nearly 20 years of good behavior in detention and the questionable fairness of his trial, including the lack of an interpreter during proceedings.
- Indonesia, known for its strict drug laws, aims to finalize prisoner transfer agreements by the end of December, potentially giving Atlaoui and other high-profile detainees a chance to return to their home countries.
Le Monde 
Sud Ouest 