JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Philippines has agreed to Jakarta’s proposed transfer procedures for the repatriation of a Philippine woman who was sentenced to death for drug trafficking, Indonesia’s senior minister for law and human rights affairs said on Friday, December 6.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra told Reuters that he and his Philippine counterpart would sign the agreement later on Friday, and said it was expected that the prisoner, Mary Jane Veloso, could return to her home country before Christmas.
“As instructed by President Prabowo, if possible, we could resolve this case before Christmas,” Yusril said.
Indonesia last month agreed to repatriate Veloso, a domestic helper and mother of two, who was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after being found with 2.6 kg of heroin concealed in a suitcase. She received a last-minute reprieve from execution in 2015.
Yusril said the Philippines agreed on several terms proposed by Indonesia, including respecting the Indonesian court’s sentencing of Veloso and her status as prisoner in Indonesia. Indonesia would respect any decision made by the Philippines after Veloso returned home, including if she was given clemency, he added. – Rappler.com
