Serving the Persecuted Church:
Support & Training of Underground Pastors § 
Humanitarian Aid § Advocacy for the Persecuted on Capitol Hill

SAMPLE LETTER

Print this letter out and sign it. Then send it to the addresses below. 

(DATE)

(ADDRESS)

Dear (TITLE):

The recent conviction of Rinaldy Damanik, the humanitarian worker on trial in Palu, has me greatly concerned about the Indonesian justice system.  While basing their verdict on the vague notions of “moral and social justice,” it appears that the judges simply ignored the law.  How can anyone respect the Rule of Law in Indonesia if it is subject to the whim of judges? How can anyone expect justice in Indonesia if an innocent man like Rinaldy Damanik can be convicted on such a patently fake charge?

Having been informed of Damanik’s case, I understand that, at trial, severe violations of criminal and police procedure (KUHAP) were discovered.  For example, of the signatures on the indictment (BAP), it was discovered at trial that one signature was illegible and the other was forged.  Furthermore, the search of Damanik’s vehicle was done without a warrant; and, contrary to procedure, Damanik was not asked to acknowledge, in writing, the result of the search. 

I was distressed to learn that the court in Palu made excuses for these egregious violations.  In cases such as these, where the police are accused of having framed a suspect, it is especially important the police follow proper procedures.  In fact, such procedures are specifically developed to safeguard an individual’s rights from violation by overzealous or corrupt law enforcement. The courts, by throwing out evidence obtained in violation of such procedures, hold law enforcement officers accountable and, thereby, increase the public’s trust in the system.  Due to the severe irregularities concerning the police handling of the material evidence, by law that evidence should have been disregarded by the court. 

In the eyes of the world, the conviction of Rinaldy Damanik, given the severe violations of police and criminal legal procedures, has made a mockery of the Indonesian justice system.  This is unfortunate because Indonesia, as a growing democracy, has a unique opportunity to demonstrate to the national and international community its commitment to the Rule of Law.  Although Damanik was sentenced, the real victims are the laws of Indonesia and the people of Indonesia who deserve justice.

Thank you for investigating the conviction of Rinaldy Damanik.  Please do whatever you can to see that justice is done in this case.  

Best Regards,

(SIGN)