Philippine president pardons drug convict Mary Jane Veloso
Mary Jane Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2010 after authorities found 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) of heroin concealed in a suitcase.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines pardoned Mary Jane Veloso on Friday, sparing her execution for drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2015. Veloso, who served nearly 15 years in an Indonesian prison, returned to the Philippines in December 2024 following negotiations between Manila and Jakarta. She was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after 2.6 kg of heroin was found concealed in a suitcase.
Veloso claimed she was an unwitting drug mule, but was convicted and sentenced to death. The Philippines and Indonesia reached an agreement in 2024 to transfer Veloso back to Manila, with the condition that the Philippines uphold her sentencing and status as a prisoner. Indonesian authorities stated that any final decision on granting Veloso clemency upon her transfer would be made by President Marcos.
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- Philippine president pardons drug convict Mary Jane Veloso freemalaysiatoday.com
