British Man Pleads for Leniency in Bali Drug Trial
DENPASAR, Indonesia – May 20, 2025 – A British national, Thomas Parker, currently standing trial on drug charges in Bali, made an emotional appeal for leniency during his court appearance on Tuesday. This comes after a more severe trafficking charge that could have resulted in the death penalty was dropped due to a lack of evidence connecting him directly to the drugs.
Parker, a 32-year-old electrician from Cumbria, England, was arrested on January 21 near Kuta Beach, a renowned area for tourists. He was allegedly observed acting suspiciously while picking up a package from a motorcycle taxi driver. As police approached him, Parker reportedly discarded the package in panic and attempted to flee. He was subsequently arrested at the villa where he was staying after authorities tracked him down.
According to court documents, a laboratory analysis confirmed that the package contained over a kilogram (approximately 2.3 pounds) of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a substance commonly known as ecstasy. Initially facing serious trafficking charges that could lead to capital punishment in Indonesia, Parker’s situation changed dramatically when law enforcement could not establish a direct link between him and the drugs, leading to the downscaling of charges to the lesser offense of concealing information from authorities.
During the trial, which began last month, Parker explained that he had initially hesitated to pick up the package, but was persuaded by a friend, known only as Nicky, whom he had been in contact with via the Telegram app for around two years. Parker stated that Nicky assured him the package was safe, and he was told it would be picked up shortly afterward. His legal counsel, Edward Pangkahila, noted that Parker was not promised any monetary compensation nor any other incentives in return for collecting the package.
Despite the reduction in charges, the prosecution has sought a one-year imprisonment for Parker. Under the Indonesian legal framework, judges have the authority to impose additional charges if warranted, leading to concerns that the original trafficking charge could still be reinstated depending on the judges’ findings.
In his plea to the court, Parker, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, expressed deep remorse for his actions. “I am very sorry and I apologize,” he stated, adding, “I know it was a mistake. I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didn’t know that (the package) was drugs.”
After Parker’s statement, Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani announced that the trial would be adjourned until May 27, at which point the judges will deliver their verdict.
Pangkahila emphasized that the prosecution has yet to conclusively prove their claims against Parker. “Until now, they cannot prove that our client is a middleman or trafficker,” he remarked, expressing hope that the judges would reach the same conclusion.
The legal climate in Indonesia is notoriously strict regarding drug offenses, and those convicted of trafficking can face severe penalties, including the possibility of execution by firing squad. Current estimates from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections indicate that about 530 individuals remain on death row in Indonesia, primarily for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners.
Parker’s predicament underscores the unforgiving nature of Indonesia’s drug laws, as the country has not conducted executions since July 2016, when four individuals, including one Indonesian and three foreigners, were put to death for drug offenses.
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