Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who spent nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia, has arrived home after a repatriation deal between the two countries eliminated the threat of her execution. The 39-year-old mother of two landed at Manila airport early Wednesday following a Jakarta ceremony marking the end of a harrowing chapter in Veloso’s life.
Veloso was arrested and sentenced to death in 2010 for carrying a suitcase containing heroin, but she maintains she did not commit the crime. Her case drew widespread outcry in the Philippines, with many labeling her as a victim of human trafficking. Indonesia executed eight other drug convicts, but Veloso’s execution was stayed due to an arrest warrant issued against the woman who recruited her.
Veloso now awaits a potential pardon from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who said her story resonated with Filipinos as “a mother trapped by poverty.” The Philippines has abolished the death penalty, and under the agreement between the two countries, Veloso’s life sentence falls under the Philippines’ purview. Justice officials say her clemency bid will be seriously studied.
Veloso was transported to a women’s prison facility after arriving at the airport, where she was met with security and did not greet her family or supporters outside the terminal due to concerns about public health during the pandemic. Her sons were later allowed to visit her, and Veloso expressed hope for clemency so she can return to her family.
The repatriation deal includes a reciprocity provision, allowing Indonesia to request Philippines’ assistance in the future if needed. However, officials say there is no indication that Indonesia will seek custody of an Australian detained on drug charges in the Philippines.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/18/mary-jane-veloso-filipina-nearly-executed-in-indonesia-arrives-home