Filipino family appeals to Indonesia to save convicted maid

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Family members of a Filipino maid facing the death penalty after being convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia made a last-minute appeal Wednesday for clemency to the country's president.

The parents, siblings and two young sons of Mary Jane Veloso delivered an open letter to President Joko Widodo to the Indonesian Embassy and appealed for "mercy and compassion" for the 30-year-old single mother.

The letter said Veloso was tricked by a compatriot into carrying 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin in a luggage and says she was a victim of drug syndicates.

Indonesia's highest court last month rejected a judicial review petition by Veloso, who is among 10 foreigner drug smugglers facing death by a firing squad.

"We are begging for mercy beloved President (Widodo), don't impose the death penalty on my daughter, said Veloso's mother, Celia Velso.

Veloso's sons, aged 6 and 12, held a placard that read "Mercy and compassion for Mary Jane and family." About a dozen activists from Migrante International held up a large picture of Veloso behind bars and a banner saying "Save the life of Mary Jane Veloso."

Veloso traveled to Indonesia in 2010 where her godsister reportedly told her a job as domestic worker awaited her. Her godsister allegedly provided the suitcase where the drugs were discovered when Veloso arrived at an airport in Java, Indonesia.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-04-08

Saw the parents on the news the other night. They looked dirt poor.

Don't know how smart this woman is, but did a dumb thing.

An execution is thought to increase the incumbent’s approval with his fans, but it doesn't last long.

This woman's time in custody is very short. Look’s as though she didn't have enough money to mount a defence. Stupid crime but will be killing the wrong person?

She to KL first......Thinking she had a job waiting. When she arrived , The daughter or her Godfather who had arranged everything explained that the job was no longer available but there was another job in Indonesia.....During her trial she had a student interpreter as she speaks zero english or indonesian....

Her parents make a couple bucks a day. As did she in the PI.

There is now evidence that points to this being the work of a cartel that dupes idiots.

Well.........They Say Ignorance Aint No Excuse.........I still dont think she deserves to die.

From the other posts and the OP, I take it she was duped. Therefore I don't call for her to face the consequences of her actions.

She is not the same as the Aussies who knew what they were doing.

Mary Jane the drug smuggler....poetic if it wasn't sad.

From the other posts and the OP, I take it she was duped. Therefore I don't call for her to face the consequences of her actions.

She is not the same as the Aussies who knew what they were doing.

Mary Jane the drug smuggler....poetic if it wasn't sad.

As I read this my opinion formed and you and Nickj summed it up perfectly; thanks. If there is even a slight chance she was duped another option should be considered. Should one go free who deserved to die it is of much less consequence than killing one person who is innocent.