Mary Jane Veloso’s Repatriation: A Crucial Step Toward Abolishing the Death Penalty in Indonesia

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The rights denfeder Amnesty International Indonesia has hailed the repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman who had spent nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia, as an important step in the ongoing fight against the death penalty in the country.

The Indonesian government’s decision to transfer Veloso to the Philippines, where the death penalty has been abolished, is seen as a positive development, but it must be followed by stronger measures to address human rights issues related to capital punishment.

Usman Hamid, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, emphasized that this repatriation should not be viewed as a final solution but rather as a pivotal moment that must inspire broader reforms in Indonesia’s approach to the death penalty.

“The transfer of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines ensures that she will not face execution, and this should be a stepping stone for the government to take further action toward upholding human rights,” he said.

The transfer of Veloso to the Philippines represents a victory for human rights, as it ensures she will be spared from the execution that had been pending for nearly a decade. The Philippines, a nation that abolished the death penalty years ago, will now be responsible for her case. However, Hamid called on the Indonesian government to go further by abolishing the death penalty entirely and taking immediate steps to halt all executions.

“Repatriating Veloso is a significant step, but it is not enough. Indonesia must move forward by removing the death sentence status for all those on death row and establishing a formal moratorium on executions,” Hamid said. He stressed that this would bring Indonesia closer to aligning with global trends in favor of the abolition of capital punishment.

The use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses is one of the central issues Amnesty International has long highlighted. Hamid reaffirmed that the death penalty, particularly for drug-related crimes, violates fundamental human rights, including the right to life and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. “The death penalty for drug offenses is not only unjust, but it also violates international human rights law,” he added.

The repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso is also seen as a symbolic shift in Indonesia’s stance on the death penalty. While the country remains one of the few in the world that still uses capital punishment for a wide range of offenses, the international community’s increasing rejection of the death penalty makes it clear that Indonesia must reconsider its position.

“This is an opportunity for Indonesia to reassess its approach to justice and move toward a more humane legal system,” Usman Hamid remarked.

Veloso’s case has drawn significant attention to Indonesia’s use of the death penalty. She was initially sentenced to death in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia from Malaysia. Her conviction and sentence sparked widespread debate, particularly in light of her claims that she had been duped into carrying the drugs by a human trafficking syndicate.

Veloso’s legal journey was fraught with complications. Her appeal for clemency was rejected by the Indonesian Supreme Court, and her scheduled execution in 2015 was delayed at the last minute. The delay came after the Philippine government intervened, requesting that Veloso be allowed to testify in a human trafficking case that involved the woman who allegedly tricked her into carrying the drugs. According to her lawyers, Veloso was denied proper legal representation and a translator during her initial police interrogation.

Despite her reprieve in 2015, Veloso remained on death row for nearly a decade, her fate hanging in the balance. The Indonesian government’s decision to repatriate her is a recognition of the importance of upholding human rights, particularly the right to life and fair trial standards. It is also an acknowledgment of the growing global movement toward the abolition of the death penalty.

Indonesia’s commitment to reforming its stance on capital punishment would be a significant shift in the country’s legal landscape. As of now, 113 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty in all cases, while 56 countries, including Indonesia, continue to impose it. Amnesty International has long called for the global abolition of capital punishment, and the repatriation of Veloso should be seen as an opportunity for Indonesia to take concrete steps in this direction.

Usman Hamid urged the Indonesian government to follow the example of other nations that have abolished the death penalty and establish an official moratorium on executions. “A moratorium on executions would be a vital first step toward the complete abolition of the death penalty. It would also reflect Indonesia’s commitment to the protection of human rights and its alignment with international norms,” he stated.

The global trend toward the abolition of the death penalty is undeniable. The United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions calling for a worldwide ban on executions, and countries that maintain the death penalty are increasingly isolated. “Indonesia has an opportunity to be on the right side of history by taking bold action and leading the way in the region toward the abolition of the death penalty,” Hamid emphasized.

Amnesty International has long advocated for the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. The organization believes that the death penalty is not only a violation of the right to life but also a form of cruel and inhuman punishment that serves no legitimate purpose. “It is time for Indonesia to make a decisive move toward justice by abolishing the death penalty and respecting the dignity of all people,” Hamid concluded.

The repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso is a significant moment in the ongoing battle against the death penalty in Indonesia. It is a step forward in ensuring that the country’s legal system reflects international human rights standards. However, the journey is far from over, and much work remains to be done to achieve the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty in Indonesia once and for all.

In the coming months and years, the Indonesian government must demonstrate its commitment to human rights by taking further action on the death penalty. The repatriation of Veloso is a positive sign, but it is just the beginning of what must be a broader, more comprehensive effort to reform Indonesia’s justice system and move the country closer to a future without the death penalty. (Uki Ruknuddin)