Mary Jane Veloso – The Ongoing Struggle of a Filipina Drug Convict on Death Row in Indonesia and Her Battle for Justice
What has the Philippine government done to help Mary Jane Veloso? The Philippine government has made several diplomatic efforts to secure clemency or a transfer for Veloso. In 2015, they successfully halted her execution by presenting new evidence and advocating for her case. Ongoing talks continue as of 2024, with hopes of transferring her to the Philippines or gaining a pardon. Mary Jane Veloso is a Filipina who was arrested in 2010 in Indonesia for drug trafficking, a crime she claims she was coerced into committing as a victim of human trafficking. She was sentenced to death in 2014, but her execution was halted after new evidence surfaced regarding her recruiters. Veloso's case continues to attract global attention and has sparked ongoing diplomatic efforts for her release or transfer to a Philippine prison. As of 2024, Mary Jane remains on death row in Indonesia, and discussions about potential clemency or a transfer to the Philippines are ongoing. Mary Jane Veloso’s Story - A Tale of Tragedy and Injustice Mary Jane Veloso was born on January 10, 1985, in the Philippines. In 2010, she was arrested at an Indonesian airport for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin. According to Veloso, she was unaware of the drugs in her luggage and was instead lured into carrying the contraband by human traffickers who promised her a better life abroad. Her claim of being a victim of human trafficking has been central to her defense and the broader debate surrounding her case.
Read more: Mary Jane Veloso Summary