Brazil finally welcomes Indonesian ambassador after disappointment over executions

BRASILIA, Brazil – Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff accepted the Indonesian ambassador’s credentials Wednesday, November 4, after a nearly 9-month standoff over the Asian country’s execution of two Brazilian nationals convicted of drug trafficking.

Brazilian national Marco Archer was executed by firing squad in January. His compatriot Rodrigo Gularte, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was executed in April.

Riyanto had been in limbo ever since.

A foreign ministry source in Brasilia said the official acceptance of the diplomat’s credentials had simply been “postponed.”

“There are no problems with Indonesia’s representation in Brazil, but the country does not take back its statements on the matter” of the executions, the source told AFP.

Brasilia strongly condemned the executions, which were carried out despite a personal appeal from Rousseff.

In April, Indonesia executed 8 people convicted on drug charges defying international appeals for mercy.

A 9th convict, a Philippine mother of two, received a temporary reprieve because of new questions about whether she was a victim of human trafficking, not a drug smuggler.

Philippine convict Mary Jane Veloso, 30, received a brief reprieve after a woman who claimed to be involved in trafficking Veloso turned herself in, Indonesian Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo told reporters.

Indonesia’s death penalty has gained controversy due to the country’s questionable justice system, but Indonesian President Joko Widodo had insisted that it is necessary to control Indonesia’s drug problem. – Rappler.com