Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed that Mary Jane Veloso, sentenced to death for drug trafficking, will be transferred to the Philippines as a prisoner, not released or pardoned.
“This is not a release or clemency. She is being repatriated to the Philippines under the status of a convicted prisoner,” he said on Wednesday (20/11/2024), as quoted by antaranews.com
The transfer followed a formal request from the Philippine government, with Indonesia requiring Manila to uphold its judicial decision and ensure Veloso serves her remaining sentence in her home country.
"The Philippines must guarantee her security during the transfer, starting from when we hand her over at the airport,” Minister Yusril added.
The decision, approved by President Prabowo Subianto, was a result of ongoing diplomatic cooperation. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s goodwill, saying, “This shows the deep trust and strong bilateral ties between our nations.”
Veloso’s transfer is expected to take place in December, marking the culmination of years of negotiations between the two governments.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)