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Dear Miss
Knox et all,
I wish to
acknowledge receipt of your letter forwarding your deep concern
over the sentencing of the Rev. Rinaldy Damanik for the illegal
possession of fire-arms and live ammunition in violation of Law
No. 12/1951. It is to be underlined that the court did not try
Mr. Damanik as a reverend but as someone who caught red-handed
to illegally possess seven rifles, four hand-guns, and 144 rounds
of ammunition. All charges laid against him were proven in a transparent
and open court.
Your concerns
- together with some others - have been duly transmitted to Indonesia.
However, it is rather impossible to expect that it would in any
way or shape influence the sentence, for in this era of reform
everyone is equal before the law in Indonesia, regardless how
godly his/her appearance. And, more importantly, the government
cannot interfere with the judicial system and legal proceedings.
I am absolutely sure that Australia also shares similar principles.
Furthermore, I wish to advise you that Mr. Damanik accepted the
verdict and did not contest the sentence, hence, the court decision
has legally reached its final stage.
In your quest
to better the world, I also wish to encourage you to look around
our surroundings where gross-violation of human rights occurred
unabated and, if possible, to take commensurate actions to redress
the situation. One of those disturbing cases is in which hundreds
of innocent children were being sexually harassed by those who
not only appeared godly, but also dressed and behaved godly.
As soon as you manage
to redress such heinous acts, I would be more than happy to again
receive your passionate letters.
Meanwhile,
please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my consideration.
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