French National Sentenced to Death for Drug Trafficking in Indonesia
A French national, Felix Dorfin, received a death sentence in Indonesia for drug trafficking, having been caught with nearly four kilograms of illegal drugs. His unexpected penalty followed a prior escape from custody. His attorney indicated a plan to appeal the verdict, suggesting Dorfin was unaware of the drug contents in his possession.
On May 20, 2019, a court on Lombok Island, Indonesia, sentenced French national Felix Dorfin to death for drug trafficking. The presiding judge, Isnurul Syamsul Arif, declared Dorfin guilty of importing narcotics, despite prosecutors recommending a prison term of 20 years. Dorfin, 35 years old and originally from Bethune, France, was apprehended in September after arriving from Singapore with nearly four kilograms of illegal substances—including cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines concealed in a double-bottomed suitcase. In an unexpected turn of events, Dorfin had previously escaped police custody in January, evading capture for 11 days before being located in a forest on Lombok. During this incident, a female police officer was taken into custody for allegedly assisting in his escape for monetary compensation. The impact of his escape on the subsequent death sentence remains unclear. Dorfin and his attorney, Deny Nur, expressed their shock at the severity of the penalty, stating their intention to appeal. Nur characterized Dorfin as a victim, asserting that he was unaware of the true contents of his luggage. Indonesia has refrained from executing anyone since 2016, although several foreign nationals, including Serge Atlaoui from France and British national Lindsay Sandiford, remain on death row for drug-related offenses, having been sentenced in previous years.
This case highlights the stringent anti-drug laws enforced by Indonesia, a country known for its severe penalties for drug trafficking. Despite international advocacy for the reduction or abolition of the death penalty, Indonesia maintains a strict stance against drug offenses, seeing them as a significant threat to society. Dorfin’s case has drawn attention not just due to the implications of his sentence but also due to the broader issues surrounding Indonesia’s legal system and its treatment of foreigners accused of drug trafficking. The country’s history of drug-related executions has sparked debate among human rights organizations, emphasizing the need for fair legal representation and the clarity of laws pertaining to drug offenses.
The sentencing of Felix Dorfin to death for drug trafficking underscores the harsh realities of drug laws in Indonesia, where such offenses can result in extreme penalties. Dorfin’s unexpected death sentence, which exceeds the prosecution’s initial recommendation of imprisonment, raises concerns regarding the potential influences of his previous escape from custody. This case not only highlights the unforgiving legal landscape in Indonesia but also reflects ongoing debates about human rights and justice in relation to drug policy.
Original Source: www.dw.com
