Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso Prepares To Be Returned To The Philippines

DOCUMENTATION BETWEEN/Death Convict Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso took part in the kebaya fashion show competition during the commemoration of Kartini Day at Yogyakarta PRISON, Tuesday (21/4/2015) (ANTARA PHOTO/Yeyen)

YOGYAKARTA - Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso, who was involved in a drug smuggling case, has been transferred from the Yogyakarta Class IIB Women's Prison to the Class IIA Jakarta Women's Prison on Sunday night, December 15, 2024. The Indonesian government is currently preparing the process of Mary Jane's return to the Philippines.

Jane will be flown to the Philippines in the next few days, said Deputy for Immigration and Corrections at the Coordinating Ministry for Kumham Imipas, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, to reporters on Monday (16/12/2024).

Nyoman explained in detail the process of transferring Mary Jane. Pick-up began when officers arrived at the Yogyakarta Class IIB Women's Prison at around 22.30 WIB. Subsequently, an administrative examination was carried out and the handover of the prisoner's file was witnessed by the Deputy Head of the DIY High Prosecutor's Office.

At 22.50 WIB, Mary Jane and her luggage were brought into the car of the Sattopspatnal Team of the Directorate General of PAS. Exactly at 23.00 WIB, the group left for the Class IIA Jakarta Women's Prison accompanied by a vehicle from the Gunung Kidul Prosecutor's Office.

"The process of moving prisoners Mary Jane Veloso is safe and conducive," added Nyoman.

The transfer of Mary Jane is a follow-up to the signing of the Practical Arrangement or Practical Arrangement between the Indonesian government represented by the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra, with the Deputy Minister of Justice of the Philippines Raul T. Vasquez. This agreement was signed in Jakarta on December 6, 2024.

Chronology Of Mary Jane Veloso Case

Mary Jane was arrested in April 2010 at Yogyakarta Adisutjipto Airport after being found carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. In October 2010, the Sleman District Court sentenced her to death for her actions.

Read more in: The Story of Mary Jane Veloso

Yusril: Mary Jane Wasn't Released, But Moved

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized that the Indonesian government had received an official request from the Philippine government regarding the transfer of Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso. According to Yusril, the transfer can only be carried out if certain conditions set by the Indonesian government are met.

The Indonesian government has never stated that Mary Jane has been released. She was transferred to her home country through a 'transfer of principler' mechanism, Yusril explained. This affirmation was conveyed to answer the statement of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who wanted Mary Jane back to her country.

"There is no term free in President Marcos' statement. Bring her back to the Philippines means bringing Mary Jane back to the Philippines to serve her sentence there," added Yusril.

Requirements for the transfer of prisoners

Yusril explained several conditions that must be met by countries that apply for the transfer of prisoners. First, the country must recognize and respect the final decision of the Indonesian court regarding the sentence of the convict concerned. Second, prisoners must serve the remaining sentence in the country of origin according to the Indonesian court's decision. Third, the cost of relocation and security is the responsibility of the forwarding country.

"After the prisoners were transferred to their country of origin, the coaching authority completely shifted to the country," said Yusril.

Possibility of leniency of punishment

Regarding the provision of leniency such as remission or clemency, Yusril emphasized that this was under the authority of the country of origin. In the case of Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso, Philippine President Marcos may grant clemency and turn the death penalty into life imprisonment. This is in line with the Philippine policy which has removed the death penalty from its legal system.

"If President Marcos gives clemency, then the change of sentence is under the full authority of the Philippine government," Yusril explained.

The process of transferring Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines is proof of Indonesia's commitment to carrying out international cooperation while respecting the applicable legal system. This decision also reflects a balanced approach between law enforcement and bilateral cooperation.

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