PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS, PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN INDONESIA
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The following letter was sent by TAPOL to Indonesia's Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Yusril Ihza Mahendra on 18 November 2002
See also press release dated 18 November 2002
Prof. Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra
Minster of Justice and Human Rights
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7
Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan
Indonesia
Dear Minister,
We are writing to express our dismay at the treatment of British citizen, Dr Lesley McCulloch, and American citizen, Joy Lee Sadler, who have been held by the Indonesian authorities in Aceh since 10 September. We believe their treatment and their continued detention without trial are inhumane and a denial of their rights under international law.
Dr McCulloch and Ms Sadler are being charged with visa violations, which they deny. It is apparent that the authorities are pursuing their cases for political reasons and intend to make examples of them in order to warn foreigners against visiting Aceh. Most visitors to Indonesia suspected of visa violations are simply deported.
Ms Sadler is HIV positive. She is seriously ill and her condition is deteriorating rapidly. Dr McCulloch is suffering from intense back pain brought on by the conditions of her detention. Both women have made serious allegations that they have been assaulted and sexually harassed.
We are sure that the Indonesian Government is concerned about the welfare and rights of persons in its custody. Dr McCulloch and Ms Sadler have suffered more than enough from their inhumane treatment and their health will be in grave danger if they are kept in custody. The length of their detention is already out of all proportion to the offences alleged against them and we therefore urge you to arrange their immediate and unconditional release.
We are grateful to you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Barber
For TAPOL
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