Australian Mother of Five Faces Death Penalty in Taiwan for Alleged Cocaine Smuggling
Debbie Voulgaris, a 57-year-old Australian mother of five, is facing the death penalty in Taiwan after being allegedly caught with 15 pounds of cocaine hidden in her suitcase. Voulgaris was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport in December when the drugs were found concealed in black plastic bags within her luggage.
Taiwanese police claim that Voulgaris initially denied any knowledge of the drugs but later implicated her ex-husband, John, as the orchestrator of the smuggling scheme. Voulgaris's lawyer, Leon Huang, asserts that John must testify as he is crucial to verifying her claims.
Under Taiwan's stringent legal system, the death penalty can be imposed for various crimes, including drug trafficking. If not sentenced to death, Voulgaris faces a minimum of five years to life imprisonment. The drugs, allegedly handed to her in Malaysia, have a street value of about $1.25 million.
Despite her arrest, Voulgaris maintains she was unaware of the drugs, claiming she was used as an unsuspecting "mule." Her lawyer argues that this ignorance, coupled with her early admission of guilt, might help her avoid the death penalty.
Prosecutors allege Voulgaris was part of a larger drug syndicate and question her inconsistent statements. Voulgaris has been denied family visits but receives support from her legal team and Australian consular officials.
A change.org petition for her release has garnered significant support, emphasizing her character and appealing for her freedom. Meanwhile, the debate over the death penalty continues in Taiwan, with its Constitutional Court recently examining its constitutionality, potentially influencing Voulgaris's fate.
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