Jubilee Campaign USA, April 16, 2004
Indonesian Pastor Rinaldy Damanik Hospitalized
We have received word from Indonesia that noted humanitarian, Rev. Rinaldy Damanik
is currently being treated at a hospital in Palu, Central Sulawesi.
Damanik has been under observation at the Salvation Army's Public Hospital for three
days. Doctors believe his illness is related to kidney problems. (During his trial he
also had to be hospitalized due to kidney problems). Test results should come back
on Saturday.
Damanik has been in prison since being arrested and tried for a crime he did not
commit. By convicting Damanik, corrupt government officials and judges sought to
use him as a scapegoat, to blame him (and the Christian community as a whole) for
the violence that decimated Central Sulawesi during the turn of the century.
In fact, Damanik's appeal is currently lodged with the Indonesian Supreme Court.
However, they have unofficially informed him that they will reject his appeal. But until
that decision comes down, Damanik has few legal recourses available. Yet, pending
that decision and absent an order continuing his confinement, Damanik is being
unlawfully detained in the prison and has been for nearly a year! Unfortunately, his
defense team is experiencing a restructuring, which has also complicated his case.
But since Damanik's imprisonment, violence has not ceased in Central Sulawesi - as
one might expect had the authorities apprehended the true provocateur. Instead, just
last weekend an Easter service in a village in Poso District was interrupted by
masked gunmen. At least seven worshippers were shot and injured.
Please pray for Rev. Damanik and for his family. Pray for his health and pray also for
the health of the community in Central Sulawesi. Pray that peace and justice will be
established.
For more information on Damanik's case or on his current illness, please continue to
check our website! at www.jubileecampaign.org
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA
email: jubilee@jubileecampaign.org
voice: 703-503-0791
web: http://www.jubileecampaign.org
This email was sent to shortcut2justy@yahoo.com.au, by Jubilee Campaign USA.
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