Bantleman family wants feds to act

The family of a Burlington man detained in Indonesia is calling for urgent action from the Canadian government.

Neil Bantleman works as a teacher in Jakarta. He and a colleague have been in jail for 36 days over accusations they sexually abused students.

No charges have been laid. But under Indonesian law, they can be held for weeks.

Bantleman’s family says he was questioned and subjected to sexual testing without access to a lawyer. They’ve petitioned the consulate and the department of foreign affairs for help, but his brother Guy says so far, the response has come up short.

“In my opinion, they’re just not timely. were two weeks since we raised these issues. I find it, you know, mind boggling that we need to raise these issues.”

“This should be done by consular officials that are on the ground. and this back and forth there, trying to understand is just taking too long in my opinion.”

They’ve started a Twitter campaign, petitioning Canadian politicians to help end his detainment.