JOGJA, RAKYAT NEWS – Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino national sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia, describes her upcoming repatriation as nothing short of a miracle. After years of separation, she is preparing emotionally and physically for a long-awaited reunion with her family and a new chapter of life outside prison walls. Speaking to AFP, Veloso expressed her excitement, saying, “Meeting my family and others outside feels like a dream come true.”

She, currently detained at the Women’s Correctional Facility Class II-B in Jogjakarta, was arrested in 2010 at Adi Sutjipto Airport for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase.

She was sentenced to death by the Sleman District Court. However, her case drew international attention after she claimed to have been duped by a human trafficking syndicate that promised her a job as a domestic helper.

In 2015, she narrowly escaped execution when her recruiters were apprehended in the Philippines. Since then, her supporters and family have campaigned tirelessly for her release, asserting her innocence. Their efforts bore fruit last week when the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines finalized plans for her repatriation.

According to Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Immigration, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Veloso is likely to be transferred to the Philippines around December 20, before Christmas. Reports suggest her death sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment once she arrives in her home country, marking a significant reduction in her punishment.

For her, the looming repatriation feels surreal. “Every morning I wake up, thinking about my aspirations—aspirations that once seemed impossible,” she shared. Despite her optimism, Veloso remains grounded, focusing on staying healthy and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Mary Veloso’s life in prison has been one of resilience and adaptation. She learned traditional Indonesian batik crafting during her incarceration, showcasing her determination to make the most of her circumstances. Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, her two sons, Daniel and Darren, eagerly await the return of their mother, who has been absent from their lives for over a decade.

Indonesia’s broader approach to repatriation includes discussions with Australia and France regarding prisoners of their nationalities. Coordinating Minister Yusril confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto recently approved similar agreements, emphasizing humanitarian considerations. Additionally, the president plans to grant amnesty to thousands of prisoners, including drug offenders, as part of a broader initiative.

For Mery Veloso and her advocates, this moment represents the power of persistence and hope. Her case has become a symbol of the complexities surrounding drug trafficking, human trafficking, and justice. As her release draws nearer, she remains a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of international cooperation in upholding human rights. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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