Madeiran national Rui Viana, convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia, is awaiting the formal extradition process to serve the remainder of his sentence in Portugal. The case, first reported by SIC Notícias, reveals that Rui Viana and fellow Portuguese national Fernando Sousa remain imprisoned in Indonesia.
The two men were arrested in March 2024 after Indonesian authorities allegedly discovered nearly three kilograms of liquid cocaine at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Rui Viana, who accepted responsibility, was sentenced to 13 and a half years imprisonment. Fernando Sousa, who denies involvement, received a 20-year sentence.
According to SIC, Fernando Sousa stated that approximately a year ago the Portuguese ambassador met with Indonesian justice authorities, who indicated they would authorize the transfer of the prisoners provided a formal request was submitted by the Portuguese Government. Sousa claims that request has yet to be made.
