Filipina Veloso Most Likely Victim of Human Trafficking: Former Official

Rabu, 29 April 2015 16:50 WIB

Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat (FOTO ANTARA/Jafkhairi)

"Veloso could be a victim of human trafficking, trapped in an international drug syndicate," Hidayat said in a short text message here on Wednesday.

He expressed his appreciation of President Joko Widodo's move to postpone her execution.
Prior to the second batch of executions, Hidayat sent a letter to the Indonesian president asking for the cancellation of Veloso's execution.

"It is similar to when Indonesia has tried to defend its migrant workers overseas. I appeal, sir, that you use your power to spare Veloso from this execution," he requested in his letter.

Hidayat convinced the Indonesian head of state that sparing the Filipina from execution would not undermine his authority.

"On the contrary, the president would receive a lot of support as he is seen as a firm and wise figure," he remarked.
Furthermore, the decision to delay the Veloso's execution was also hailed by activists of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Network (JBMI).

"My colleagues and I are very pleased with the temporary decision. Our hard work of visiting churches, mass organizations, state institutions, and lobbying to push the government to stop Veloso's execution was not in vain," JBMI activist Iweng Karsiwen stated in Cilacap, Central Java, on Wednesday.

He added that drug traffickers Christina and her partner Julius had surrendered in the Philippines, admitting that they had recruited Veloso.

"If Christina and Julius are found guilty of owning those illicit drugs, the Indonesian government should release Veloso," he stressed.

Moreover, Veloso's lawyer Agus Salim affirmed that the execution of his client has been postponed.
The Filipina migrant worker was sentenced to capital punishment by the Sleman District Court in 2010 for attempting to smuggle in 2.6 kilograms of illicit drugs.

Her clemency appeal was turned down by the president, as was her judicial review plea.