In a significant legal outcome, Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British teenager, was released from prison in Georgia on Monday after serving nearly six months for drug smuggling. Culley, who is pregnant, was arrested in May 2023 at Tbilisi International Airport upon her arrival from Thailand, where she had gone missing prior to her return to the UK.
Culley’s release came as part of a plea agreement, which took into account her age and pregnancy. She had already served five months and 24 days in custody and was required to pay a fine of 500,000 lari (approximately $187,000). Commenting on her unexpected freedom, Culley expressed her feelings of happiness and relief, stating that she was not anticipating being released.
Upon her arrest, authorities discovered that Culley was carrying 12 kg (approximately 26 pounds) of marijuana and 2 kg of hashish in her luggage. Prosecutors in Georgia asserted that she had engaged in drug trafficking, a charge that carries severe penalties in the country, including prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Culley’s defense team, led by lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia, claimed that she had been subjected to torture in Thailand and coerced into transporting the drugs. At a hearing in July, Culley initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession and trafficking. However, the situation changed as her plea agreement was adjusted to reflect her circumstances.
Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili, the case prosecutor, acknowledged the unique factors surrounding Culley’s case. He noted that her young age and pregnancy were significant considerations in the judicial process, which ultimately led to a more lenient outcome.
This case gained considerable attention, highlighting Georgia’s strict drug laws and the ongoing discussions around drug-related penalties in the country. Earlier in 2023, the Georgian government implemented amendments to increase penalties for the use and possession of certain narcotics, prompting public debate about the effectiveness and fairness of such laws.
As Culley’s case comes to a close, it not only reflects the complexities of drug trafficking laws but also raises questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals within the justice system. With her release, Culley now faces the challenges of returning to her life in the UK, while navigating the implications of her recent experiences.
