Mary Jane Moved To Philippines Before Christmas 2024

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra (left) and Deputy Minister of Justice of the Philippines Raul T. Vasquez/ANTARA/Fath Putra Mulya

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that the death row convict in the drug smuggling case, Mary Jane Veloso, would be transferred to her home country, Philippines, before Christmas 2024.

"God willing, it will be done before Christmas on December 25," said Yusril during a press conference after signing a practical arrangement regarding the transfer of Mary Jane with Philippine Deputy Minister of Justice Raul T. Vasquez reported by ANTARA, Friday, December 6.

Yusril explained that the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to move Mary Jane to her home country after a long diplomatic process.

"We do not grant pardons or clemency to the convicts, but we agree to repatriate the person concerned to the Philippines," he said.

According to Yusril, the Philippine government agreed on all the conditions put forward by the Government of Indonesia in the draft arrangement for the transfer of Mary Jane.

"There is nothing they refuse because we also formulate the draft based on international habits and also consider the legal aspects and benefits that apply in our own country," said Yusril.

The Philippine government agreed to respect the Indonesian court's decision on Mary Jane, namely the death penalty. However, coaching the person concerned is then the responsibility of the Philippine Government.

Regarding Mary Jane's sentence status after being transferred, according to Yusril, this is entirely under the authority of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Indonesia will respect the Philippines' decision, including if Mary Jane is later given a pardon.

"Even if President Marcos does it, the Indonesian government will respect the decision because we have handed over the authority to provide guidance to prisoners to the Philippine Government," he said.

According to Yusril, Mary Jane's technical repatriation is still under discussion by the Deputy for Immigration and Corrections of the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections. In addition, coordination is also carried out with the Attorney General's Office, Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Philippines Raul T. Vasquez expressed his gratitude to the Government of Indonesia and President Prabowo Subianto for facilitating Mary Jane's repatriation.

He said that this transfer further emphasized the good relations between the two countries that had existed for a long time, as well as emphasized cooperation, synergy, and coordination under respect for the sovereignty of each country.

Raul hopes that Mary Jane's transfer can be carried out as soon as possible, before December 25. He said this year's Christmas would be even more enjoyable for the Philippines and Indonesia.

"We hope to do it before Christmas, so it will be a happier Christmas for everyone, not only for the Filipinos, but also for the Indonesians; and most importantly for the families who suffer, they want to see their families back and embrace them," Raul said.