We are exceedingly pleased to report to you today that the Rev. Rinaldy Damanik, the Indonesian pastor and peace activist who has been imprisoned since 2002 on trumped-up charges of weapons possession, was granted early release this week and is now a free man. Jubilee Campaign has been following Damanik's case over the last three years and, in fact, Jubilee staff members visited him in his cell during a trip to Indonesia in 2003. The following story comes from Compass Direct, a wire news service that focuses on the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. For more information on Damanik's case, visit our web site: www.jubileec ampaign.org. 

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FLASH NEWS from COMPASS DIRECT
Global News from the Frontlines

Summary:
DUBLIN, November 10 (Compass) -- Rev. Rinaldy Damanik walked free from his cell at the Maesa Detention Center in Palu, Sulawesi, on November 9 after authorities granted him an early release. A smiling Damanik greeted the small crowd of friends and reporters who had gathered outside the prison and expressed thanks to those who had campaigned on his behalf during the imprisonment. The early release was largely due to the intervention of a Muslim cleric, who learned of Damanik's tireless efforts to promote peace in the region and believed he was innocent of the charges. Compass received a letter from a Muslim refugee which also showed the support of some sectors of the Muslim community. However, a series of gruesome murders in recent weeks show that the region is still volatile. Local Christians have asked for prayer as Damanik continues his campaign for peace.

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Authorities Grant Early Release for Rev. Damanik
Indonesian pastor rejoins family, plans to continue peace campaign.
by Sarah Page

DUBLIN, November 10 (Compass) -- Rev. Rinaldy Damanik walked free from his cell at the Maesa Detention Center in Palu, Sulawesi, on November 9 after authorities granted him an early release.

A smiling Damanik greeted the small crowd of friends and reporters who had gathered outside the prison. He spoke for a few minutes and expressed thanks to those who had campaigned on his behalf during his imprisonment.

Before his arrest on what many believe were false charges, Damanik worked tirelessly to provide relief for Muslim and Christian victims of the sectarian violence that erupted on Sulawesi island in the late 1990s. He was also a signatory of the Malino Peace Accord, signed in December 2001.

The charge of "illegal weapons possession" dates back to an incident in August 2002, as Damanik returned from a refugee relief mission. Police stopped the relief convoy and took Damanik and his team members some distance away from their vehicles for questioning.

Days later, police claimed they had found illegal weapons in Damanik's vehicle. This was contrary to normal police procedure. If the weapons were found as claimed, the police should have informed Damanik at the scene.

During the trial, witnesses said they were tortured by police and pressured to give false evidence against Damanik. Despite many such irregularities, the pastor was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. Allowing for time already spent in police custody, he was due for release in September 2005.

The breakthrough for Damanik's early release came in August this year, when a respected Muslim cleric, Idrus R. al Habsy, befriended Damanik after the cleric's son, Husen, met Damanik in prison. When Idrus learned that Damanik had worked tirelessly to promote peace, the elderly cleric became a staunch advocate for his release.

On August 20, Idrus sent a letter of appeal to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, asking that Damanik be freed as he was a man of good character. Observers say this letter was vital in securing an early release date.

It seems other Muslims are also supportive of Damanik. Compass received a letter from a Muslim refugee in late October, expressing the belief that Damanik was innocent. The letter, translated from the original Indonesian, read in part, "I myself am one of the victims amongst the thousands of the Poso violence who were evacuated by Damanik with his Crisis Center. Even though we differed in religion, their hearts and humanitarianism were extraordinary."

The letter also referred to Damanik's election as president of the Synod of the Christian Church of Central Sulawesi (GKST) on October 17 while he was still imprisoned: "This election also testifies that Rev. Rinaldy Damanik is innocent and greatly beloved by the people."

Meanwhile, a press release from Open Doors on November 9 said Damanik planned to continue his work with the GKST Crisis Center. "When I leave, I will continue to do exactly what I was doing before I was arrested," he told and Open Doors staff member.

He also expressed thanks for support provided by Open Doors and other organizations throughout his imprisonment. "All the people, including children, who sent me letters, cards, band-aids, lotion for my skin and little chocolates with Scriptures written on them--you really touched my heart."

Commenting on the sectarian conflict in Sulawesi which began in the late 1990s, Damanik said, "From the beginning, I've said this is not a religious conflict. The real causes are the injustices we live with--for example, corruption and favoritism, which are not being addressed or handled wisely by the government. This has prolonged the conflict."

After attending a church meeting in Palu on the evening of his release, Damanik hoped to return to Tentena on November 10. Some local Christians feared for his safety. Local police have failed to apprehend those responsible for the murders of several Christians over the past few months.

One of the most recent murders, reported by a senior GKST church official, occurred on November 4. A group of men sitting outside a petrol station in Poso were intrigued when a black plastic bag was dropped from the window of a passing vehicle. On investigation, the black bag was found to contain the severed head of 48-year-old Sarminalis Ndele, a Christian pastor and the chief of Pinedapa village in Poso district. The pastor's body was later found near Masani village on the Poso coast.

A minibus driver was also shot in Poso city on November 8, Agence France Presse reported. The driver was killed instantly, but several passengers traveling in the vehicle escaped injury. In the hope of preventing further religious tension, police chief Abdi Darma Sitepu declined to announce the religious identity of the victim.

With these events in mind, Damanik's supporters have asked for prayer as he continues his campaign for peace.

END

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Copyright 2004 Compass Direct

Compass Direct Flash News is distributed as available to raise awareness of Christians worldwide who are persecuted for their faith. Articles may be reprinted by active subscribers only.

For more information, contact:
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA