Basketball star Jarred Shaw threatens the death penalty in Indonesia!

Basketball star Jarred Shaw threatens the death penalty in Indonesia!

In a explosive case from Indonesia, 35-year-old Jarred Shaw, a former basketball player, faces the serious threat of a lifelong prison sentence or even the death penalty. Shaw was arrested near Jakarta in May 2023 when he tried to collect a package with illegal cannabis candy in the value of $ 400. Overall, the police had confiscated 132 rubber with a total weight of 869 grams, but a lot that Shaw saw as exaggerated, since it directly subordinates the amount of the THC it contained for its medical use. He uses cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of his Crohn disease's disease, and in this context describes the situation in the Indonesian prison as extremely difficult. In addition, Shaw launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover its legal costs because he has not yet received an appointment for his first hearing, five months after his arrest.

The Indonesian police believe that Shaw was part of a larger international drug trade network, and claims that he had told his teammates that he wanted to share the rubber with them. Police chief Ronald Sipayung from Sokarno-Hatta Airport explained that the investigation on this matter continues, which draws a dark picture of the legal risks for 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 championship with his team, Prawira Bandung in 2023. His sporting career is in high danger after the serious accusation and the lifelong lock, which was 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 US message in Jakarta is informed about the case, but is silent on the subject and has not made any further comments. Shaw's concerns are supported by the NGO Last Prisoner Project, which draws attention to the need for broader mobilization. It remains to be seen how this case will develop and what options Shaw will have to fix its legal problems.