Basketball star Jarred Shaw faces death penalty in Indonesia!

Basketball star Jarred Shaw faces death penalty in Indonesia!

In an explosive case from Indonesia, 35-year-old Jarred Shaw, a former basketball player, faces a serious threat of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Shaw was arrested near Jakarta in May 2023 while trying to pick up a package of $400 worth of illegal cannabis candies. In total, police seized 132 gummies with a total weight of 869 grams, an amount that Shaw considers to be exaggerated because it directly assumes the amount of THC contained was intended for medical use. He uses cannabis to relieve the symptoms of his Crohn's disease and describes the situation in the Indonesian prison as extremely difficult. Shaw has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover his legal costs as he has yet to receive a date for his first hearing, five months after his arrest.

Indonesian police believe Shaw is part of a larger international drug trafficking network and claim he told his fellow players he wanted to share the gummies with them. Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Chief Ronald Sipayung said investigations into the matter were ongoing, painting a grim picture of the legal risks facing foreign athletes in Indonesia.

Strict drug laws in Indonesia

Indonesia's strict drug laws make it particularly dangerous for tourists and foreigners. Cannabis is illegal under the Narcotics Act No. 35/2009 and the penalties for possession or trafficking are severe. While possession of small amounts of less than 5 grams can be punished with up to four years in prison, larger amounts face draconian penalties, including the death penalty. Even medical cannabis is not allowed, which makes the situation even more complicated for Shaw. Therefore, the Indonesian government's zero-tolerance drug policy poses a serious danger not only to locals but also to visitors, consistently leading to harsh sentences, even for minor violations.

Before his arrest, Shaw had a successful basketball career in Indonesia, where he scored over 1,000 points in three seasons and won the 2023 championship with his team, Prawira Bandung. His sporting career is in grave danger after the serious accusation and the lifelong ban imposed on him by the Indonesian Basketball League IBL.

Comparison with other cases

Shaw's case is often compared to that of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who was imprisoned in Russia on similar charges. While the legal framework varies, the message remains clear: prosecution based on the zero-tolerance principle has serious consequences for foreign athletes in many countries.

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta is aware of the case but remains silent on the issue and has made no further comment. Shaw's cause is supported by the NGO Last Prisoner Project, which is drawing attention to the need for broader mobilization. It remains to be seen how this case will play out and what options Shaw will have to resolve his legal issues.