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Christian Pastor to Be Released From Imprisonment for False Terror Charges
From Compass DirectOn Saturday, September 25, Rev. Damanik — an Indonesian pastor imprisoned under what many believe were false charges — celebrated his 45th birthday. But on Monday, September 27, he had far greater cause for celebration. Prison authorities announced this week that Damanik would be released in November 2004 — almost a year earlier than his original release date of September 2005. Mona Saroinsong, the coordinator of the Protestant church's Crisis Center in Sulawesi and a close supporter of Damanik, hinted on Friday, September 24, that changes were in the air. News of the early release came as a joyful surprise to friends, family and supporters who had campaigned tirelessly on Damanik's behalf. Damanik, a prominent figure in peace negotiations between warring Muslim and Christian communities on the island of Sulawesi, was convicted on charges of "illegal weapons possession" in June 2003. The charge dated back to an incident on August 17, 2002, when his relief convoy — returning from a mission to assist refugees on both sides of the conflict — was stopped by police. Members of the convoy were taken to a nearby building for questioning while their cars were searched. Days later, police claimed to have found firearms and ammunition in the vehicle. Posted by: Mike Sylwester 2004-10-01 |
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