A Belgian man convicted of drug smuggling in Cambodia has returned home after receiving a rare royal pardon from King Norodom Sihamoni.

Tanguy Taller, sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for transporting more than a kilogramme of cocaine from Brazil, was released following the king’s intervention. Belgian media report that he has already landed back in Belgium, where his family welcomed him as a free man.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, expressed gratitude to the Cambodian monarch and authorities. “I thank King Norodom Sihamoni for his clemency, and I commend the ongoing efforts of my consular staff to support Taller and his family during this challenging period,” he said.

Taller’s case had drawn attention for its severity. Initially sentenced in absentia after going into hiding, he was later arrested while attempting to cross into Vietnam. His father told Belgian media that the pardon was “highly exceptional” for a drug conviction, hinting at support from influential figures in Cambodia.

The family had expected a lengthy transfer process to allow Taller to serve his sentence in Belgium, but the pardon accelerated his release. “Now his battery is low and he mostly needs rest. But we are all extremely happy that he was able to set foot on Belgian soil as a free man again,” his father said.

Speaking after his return, Taller described his joy at being reunited with his family and vowed to rebuild his life. He faces administrative steps such as registering with local authorities and finding work, but for now, his focus is on recovery.

The case underscores the extraordinary nature of royal pardons in Cambodia, particularly for drug offences, and highlights the role of diplomatic efforts in securing his freedom.

-2026-05-28

46 minutes ago, geovalin said:

Belgian man convicted of drug smuggling.

Tanguy Taller, sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for transporting more than a kilogramme of cocaine

I was thinking they may have got the nationality wrong, British not Belgium.

48 minutes ago, geovalin said:

“Now his battery is low and he mostly needs rest

Crikey, batteries should be fully charged after spending time behind bars.

Edited May 28May 28 by SAFETY FIRST

How do you survive 8 years in a Cambodian jail ?

Maybe he will write a book.

23 hours ago, geovalin said:

His father told Belgian media that the pardon was “highly exceptional” for a drug conviction, hinting at support from influential figures in Cambodia.

Influential figures in Cambodia? So this criminal had friends in the hierarchy who put forward his name?

Nice to have such friends.