Mary Jane Veloso Returns to the Philippines After 14 Years on Indonesian Death Row
Veloso, convicted of drug trafficking but claiming innocence, seeks clemency after being spared from execution and repatriated to serve her sentence in her home country.
- Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia, narrowly escaped execution in 2015 and has now been repatriated to the Philippines after 14 years in prison.
- Veloso maintains she was tricked by a human trafficking syndicate into carrying a suitcase containing heroin, a claim that has drawn widespread public and diplomatic support over the years.
- Her transfer to the Philippines was facilitated by a recent prisoner transfer agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines, removing the possibility of her execution.
- Veloso has appealed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for clemency, with her family and supporters rallying to advocate for her release.
- Her case has highlighted the vulnerabilities of overseas Filipino workers and the need for stronger protections against human trafficking and exploitation.
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