Print these two pages
out and take them to church for your
friends to sign up. Then send the petition back to us.
Petition for the Release of Rev. Damanik
President Megawati Soekaronoputri
Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Dr. Bagir Manan, Indonesia Supreme Court
Dr. Yusuf Kalla, Indonesian Minister of Social Welfare
(Petitions will be mailed to the above
officials as well as presented to Ambassador
Brotodiningrat of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Washington, DC)
We, the
undersigned, appeal for the release of Rinaldy Damanik. We are greatly
concerned because Rinaldy Damanik, a humanitarian worker, was sentenced
unjustly to three years imprisonment on June 16 by a Palu court. The
integrity of the Indonesian justice system is at stake. Indonesia is a
growing democracy; hence, it is important that its judicial systems become
strong and independent. By overturning the verdict against Damanik, the High
Court of Central Sulawesi has an opportunity to demonstrate its resolve in
honoring the Rule of Law.
Having been informed of Damanik's case, we understand that, at trial, severe
violations of criminal and police procedure have come to light. For example,
the indictment (BAP) was not signed by two police officers as required.
Further, the search of Damanik's vehicle was done without a warrant, and
Damanik was not asked to acknowledge, in writing, the result of the search.
The car with license plate # DN-790E that Damanik was alledgedly driving was
at the auto repair shop the day Damanik was accused of weapon possession.
Furthermore, one of the prosecution witnesses testified that he had been
beaten by police in order to produce false testimony against Rev. Damanik.
Given the facts above, we believe that the evidence illegally entered
against Damanik should be thrown out, and that Damanik should be acquitted.
The hallmark of a mature legal system is its respect for and protection of
an individual's rights. Hence, legal procedures are developed to safeguard
those 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.
The conviction against Rinaldy Damanik, given the severe violations of
police and criminal legal procedures, could have a devastating effect on the
Indonesian justice system. That is why it is so important that his appeal be
heard by the High Court and the original verdict be overthrown immediately.
The Rule of Law in Indonesia hinges on the outcome.
Thank you for investigating the case of Rinaldy Damanik. Please do whatever
you can to see that justice is done in the case of Rinaldy Damanik and that
he is acquitted of all charges against him.
Attach this second page to the page above
|
|
Petition for the Release of Rev.
Damanik |
Print Name Clearly
Street Address State Zip Signature
1. ______________________________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________________________________________
8. _______________________________________________________________________________________
9. _______________________________________________________________________________________
10._______________________________________________________________________________________
11._______________________________________________________________________________________
12._______________________________________________________________________________________
13._______________________________________________________________________________________