A British grandmother has tragically died while serving a six-year prison sentence in Bali for drug smuggling offences, highlighting the grave dangers facing foreign nationals in Indonesian jails.
Nona Liana, a 65-year-old woman from the UK, passed away in her prison cell after being convicted of attempting to smuggle illegal substances into the popular tourist destination. The elderly woman had been incarcerated at Kerobokan Prison, known for its harsh conditions and overcrowding.
Desperate Circumstances Behind the Crime
Court proceedings revealed that Ms Liana became involved in drug trafficking due to desperate financial circumstances. The grandmother claimed she was coerced into carrying prohibited substances after accumulating significant debt back in Britain.
"I was threatened and had no other choice," she reportedly told authorities during her trial. "They said they would harm my family if I didn't cooperate."
Health Deterioration in Prison
Friends and fellow inmates reported witnessing the elderly woman's health rapidly decline during her imprisonment. The tropical climate, combined with limited access to adequate medical care and the stress of incarceration, reportedly took a severe toll on her wellbeing.
Kerobokan Prison has long been criticised by human rights organisations for its substandard conditions, with multiple reports of inadequate healthcare facilities and sanitation issues affecting both local and foreign prisoners.
Ongoing Concerns for British Nationals Abroad
This tragic case raises serious questions about the welfare of British citizens imprisoned overseas, particularly in countries with strict drug laws and challenging prison conditions. Indonesia maintains some of the world's toughest penalties for drug offences, including the death penalty in severe cases.
The Foreign Office has confirmed they are providing support to the woman's family and are in contact with Indonesian authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences facing those involved in drug trafficking, even when acting under duress or in desperate circumstances.
