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http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05110140.htm
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com
Monday, November 28, 2005
CHRISTIAN FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL URGES IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF WRONGLY ACCUSED INDONESIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AFTER THEY LOSE APPEAL
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
INDRAMAYU, INDONESIA (ANS) -- An international Christian human rights organization is urging the immediate release of three wrongly-accused Indonesian Christian Sunday School teachers who have lost their appeal to overturn charges that mean a three-year prison-term.
The women -- Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun -- are currently serving a three year prison sentence in the Indramayu district of West Java, having been wrongly convicted of "attempting to coerce children to change their religion" under the Indonesian "Child Protection Act."
Christian Freedom International (CFI), reports that on November 22, 2005, the three Sunday school teachers lost an important appeal to have their sentences reduced or overturned by a higher court. They have one appeal left.
A local Islamic group brought charges against the three for violating the "Child Protection Act."
A local pastor who visits the three women weekly told Christian Freedom International, "I regret to inform you, after the second phase court level -- in Indonesia's law process system, we have a three phase law court level -- the second court judge agreed with the decision of the first court judge. This means Dr. Rebekka, Etty, and Ratna face a punishment of three years in prison."
The pastor said, "That's why we still need support from all of our brothers and sisters to continue with the legal process until the highest level-the third level is complete-the last action for our law process system."
The pastor thanked Christian Freedom International and other organizations for publicizing the case. "Brothers and sisters, thanks so much for sending information about Dr. Rebekka, Etty and Ratna case to all over the world," said the unnamed pastor.
The pastor further urged concerned people to continue writing to the imprisoned Sunday school teachers. "They received letters from our brother/sister, who encourage them with the words and prayer support, sympathies and also spiritual warfare prayer. They really appreciated it, and believe that our God in Christ will bless you all!"
Christian Freedom International president Jim Jacobson recently visited the three women in the Indramayu prison.
For information on how to write to Rebekka, Eti, and Ratna, (they request that letters not be sent directly to the prison) or help them with financial support please contact Christian Freedom International.
Christian Freedom International (CFI) is an interdenominational human rights organization for religious liberty. For more information or interviews, contact Christian Freedom International at 540-636-8907 or visit online at www.christianfreedom.org.
Photographs of the prison and Rebekka, Eti, and Ratna are available online at Christian Freedom International.
CHRISTIAN FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL
CONTACT: Vickie Koth, 540-636-8907
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.