More than 12 years are she was locked up, Bali Nine member Renae Lawrence is set to be released from prison on Nov. 21.
The 41-year-old – who was originally sentenced to life in prison for her role as a drug mule in the now-infamous attempt to smuggle heroin to Australia – is said to have been on her ‘best behaviour’ as her release date approaches.
She is the only member of the Bali Nine to have been granted freedom so far.
“Renae has known the date of her release for a few months now,’ a friend of Renae’s told New Idea.
“The jail wanted to keep it quiet… she has been on her best behaviour to as not to do anything to delay her release.”
The head of the Balinese provincial correction division, Slamet Prihantoro told Fairfax that on Nov. 21 she would be “handed over to immigration for her deportation”.
“As for when she will fly back to Australia, that will be up to immigration. Once we hand her over, she will no longer be our responsibility,” Slamet said.
Fellow Bali Nine members Su Yin Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens are all serving life sentences.
Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – the two considered to be ringleaders – were executed in April 2015.
One other member of the Bali Nine, Tan Duc Thanh died of cancer this year.
In 2015, Renae and Melbourne artist Mary Lou Pavlovic, launched a bid to begin an art program at Bangli Jail.
“An art program can foster self esteem, help with depression, and give people skills to use for employment,” a Facebook page set up to support the bid stated.
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