Indonesia to hand over death row inmate to the Philippines

Protesters hold a picture of Mary Jane Veloso in Manila, Philippines on Sept. 13, 2016/ AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Indonesia has approved the transfer of Mary Jane Veloso, a 39-year-old Filipino death row inmate convicted of drug trafficking in 2010, to the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Wednesday, following more than a decade of diplomatic negotiations.

"After more than a decade of diplomatic work and consultation with the Indonesian government, we have managed to defer her execution indefinitely and finally reached an agreement to bring her home," Marcos said, adding that the decision reflects "the depth of partnership between our nations united in our common belief in justice and compassion."

Indonesian Justice Minister Yasonna Laoly said President Prabowo Subianto has approved Veloso's transfer, which could take place next month. Veloso was arrested in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia and received a death sentence.

Indonesian authorities had originally planned to execute Veloso in April 2015 but granted a last-minute reprieve after the Philippines arrested her alleged trafficker and designated her as a prosecution witness. Philippine Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Eduardo de Vega said the government's goal is "not just to get her transferred but to have our president grant her pardon."
AJP

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