UPDATE: The daughter of an Australian woman, Debbie Voulgaris, currently serving a 15-year prison sentence in Taiwan for drug smuggling, has issued an urgent plea for help as a retrial approaches. Maria Voulgaris took to social media to announce that her mother’s retrial is just weeks away, intensifying calls for the Australian government to intervene.
Debbie, aged 58, was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport in late 2023 and has maintained her innocence, claiming she was deceived by those she trusted. Maria’s emotional appeal comes after her mother has spent two birthdays behind bars, prompting widespread public concern in Australia.
The parliamentary petition initiated by Maria has garnered 302 signatures so far. It urges the Australian government to advocate for clemency and further investigation into Debbie’s case. “Debbie Voulgaris is an Australian citizen who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Taiwan after being deceived and set-up by people she trusted,” the petition states.
Maria emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, stating, “This is now her last chance to appeal. Her last hope and ours.” She described the harrowing conditions her mother faced, including nearly a year living under the threat of the death penalty.
The petition, which will close on October 1, 2023, aims to bring attention to Debbie’s plight and has already sparked significant public interest, including a separate Change.org petition that attracted over 13,000 signatures. Maria is managing the social media campaign titled “Voice for Debbie,” aimed at raising awareness of her mother’s situation.
“Despite everything, we absolutely love Taiwan,” Maria stated. “This is about my mum, an innocent woman who deserves to come home.” With the retrial looming, the urgency for public support is palpable.
As the situation develops, the Voulgaris family is calling on the Australian public to amplify their voice, urging compassion and justice for Debbie. “It’s up to us, her children, and to those left listening and reading, to be her voice in Australia,” Maria concluded.
The Australian government has yet to respond to the petition, but the clock is ticking. With the retrial on the horizon, all eyes are now on the authorities to act swiftly and justly for Debbie Voulgaris.
