Latest news from Rev. Damanik
Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2003 09:13:53 -0800 (PST)
From: Mona Saroinsong
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Thank you very much for everything you have done for us here, esp for Rev.
Damanik/RD's case. After I had a long discussion with RD's family (his father ans
sisters in North Sumatera through telp conversation) and with RD alone face to face
during my visit in Central Sulawesi last Dec 9-12, finally RD decides to proceed with
the PK. He will renew the personnels of his Defense Team/DT, since view of them are
very preoccupied with other cases which are also very improtant. This is what Rev. D
asked me to inform you all (sorry, just literary translaltion):
"Please be sure that my purpose to keep on going to proceed with the appeals and
now with PK, not because I want to be free from the prison, but just to prevail the truth
and to show the authorities and the world that I am innocent. Whatever decisions
taken in the end, I will accept them all. I am using all possibilities offered by
Indonesian law is just to show that I obey the law practiced in Indonesia, and as a
citizen who seeks for truth and justice, I will use all efforts and possibilities, but I will
never tolerate any violations of the law, but only take what provided by the law and
according to the rights given to each Indonesian citizen. I am constantly thanking
every body whom I know keep praying for me. I can feel it, because as a human being
I know I cannot face all of these. Only because of the prayers of many people then
God hears my plea. I also want to thank the lawyers in the Defense Team/DT in my
case, who have worked hard to discover the unfairness of the authorities, al
though I know in the end that some of the DT members have their own priorities and
hopes on this case. It is their rights to do so, and I appreciate them so much and
deeply, but definitely there are some things that I have to keep and to pursue as the
servant of God. I will never ever tolerate any decisions nor actions taken by any body
including the DT if they use any ways and strategies it just includes the least of
violence. Not the violence against me but against the small, the powerless and
marginalized ones. I will never tolerate that just for my sake then their careers and
lives are put in risk and danger. My life, my work and my sacrifice are for them, so I
don't want them to sacrifice their careers and lives for me. As my principle from the
beginning: the DT can do anything to seek for justice and to prevail the truth, but no
violation against my faith and the law. No one should be sentenced for the sake of my
freedom. I prefer to be imprisoned to save others. I only try to follow
the least of the example given by Christ. Please keep praying for the peace in Central
Sulawesi so the Displaced people could get their freedom back, and sorry to keep
disturbing you with my case. God bless you all".
FYI, I will wait for the advice from the remaining DT, on what action should be kept
going on and what kind of lobbies need to be take. One of the lawyers in Jakarta and
one from Manado will have a meeting in Palu together with the lawyers in Palu who
still commit to assist Rev. Damanik in facing his case. Please keep parying for them
and the people in Central Sulawesi.
Once again, thank you very much for everything. God bless you,
Yours in Christ always,
Mona
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