Court Blocks Mary Jane Veloso Deposition in Indonesia


The Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the deposition of convicted Filipina worker Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia.



Veloso, who is currently on death row in Indonesia, was convicted in October 10 for drug trafficking after being caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin at an Indonesian airport.

The CA issued the TRO in response to the manifestation of petitioners, Veloso's alleged recruiters Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, against Judge Anarica Castillo-Reyes of Regional Trail Court in Nueva Ecija.

Castillo-Reyes earlier allowed Veloso to testify against her alleged recruiters on April 27 in Yogkayarta, Indonesia.




The CA, however, ruled that the Nueva Ecija court committed grave abuse to discretion and said that this is a violation of the constitutional rights of the petitioners to confront the witness against them face to face.

National Union of Peoples' Lawyers president Edre Olalia has expressed disappointment and frustration over the TRO against the deposition of Veloso.

Indonesia stayed her execution in 2016 after the Philippine government said her testimony would be vital in human trafficking charges against Sergio and Lacanilao.

Veloso is currently detained at Wirongunan Penitentiary in Indonesia.





Source: Philippine Star

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