Bali Nine drug mule Scott Rush could die if he does not access drug-rehabilitation and mental health programs, according to his fiancee.
A London investment bank lawyer and mother of two, Nikki Butler, 38, says Rush, 29, needs to be transferred out of Karangasem in east Bali, where she has been visiting him the past week.
“Leaving Scott in his current state of bad health and mental anguish is excruciating,’’ Butler said yesterday as she was leaving Bali, quoted in the Australian.
Rush reportedly wants to be rehabilitated and run programs teaching English but can’t do so in Karangasem. Grappling with depression, Rush could apparently get treatment at the local mental hospital if transferred to Bali’s Bangli prison.
Denny Thong, a Bali psychiatrist recommended Rush’s transfer in a letter to Australian consul-general. However, with recent statements by Australia’s foreign minister, is the consulate really in the position to help Rush?
Rush, a convicted heroin smuggler is currently on a methadone program and serving a life sentence after exhausting appeals, but is hoping for clemency to get a fixed term of 15-20 years and receive remissions for an early release, reports the Australian.
At least he’s not in fear of the death penalty as is the case of two other members of the Bali Nine who currently fear the fire squad.
Photo of Scott Rush by AFP
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