Indonesia deports former Philippine mayor, seeks Australian drug lord in exchange

By AJU PRESS Posted : September 6, 2024, 14:56 Updated : September 6, 2024, 14:56
Former Bamban Mayor Alice Leal Guo responds to media inquiries at a press briefing in Manila on Sept. 6, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) - Indonesia has deported Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban City in the Philippines, who was apprehended near Jakarta on Sept. 3. As reported previously, Guo fled her home country amid allegations of being a Chinese spy and involvement in illegal gambling operations and money laundering.

In an unexpected turn of events, Indonesia is now seeking the extradition of Australian drug lord Gregor Johan Haas in exchange for Guo's deportation. Agus Widjojo, Indonesia's ambassador to the Philippines, stated, "Negotiations have just begun," indicating the possibility of Haas being sent to Indonesia.

Haas, father of famous Australian rugby player Payne Haas, is accused of attempting to smuggle 5kg of methamphetamine into Indonesia in December last year. He is currently detained in the Philippines, with Indonesia pressing for his extradition. However, Australia opposes this move, fearing Haas could face the death penalty in Indonesia, known for its harsh stance on drug-related crimes.

The case has sparked diplomatic concerns, with an anonymous Philippine government official expressing worry about potential diplomatic issues with Australia if Haas is extradited to Indonesia. As the negotiations continue, the situation highlights the complex interplay of law enforcement, diplomacy, and human rights in Southeast Asia.
AJU PRESS

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