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Neil Bantleman is in an Indonesian jail yet again. Just months after the Burlington native was acquitted on all counts in relation to child sex abuse at an International school in Jakarta, a new ruling has brought him back behind bars. His stunned family and now the Federal government are reacting to this surprising turn of events.
Neil Bantleman has been a free man for more than six months, acquitted on all charges of child sexual abuse back in August, while his Canadian passport was revoked, he was still enjoying the freedom to travel within Indonesia…that is, until today.
“We go from elation to complete and utter shock.” Guy Bantleman, Neil’s brother.
Shocked that Indonesia’s supreme court suddenly revoked Bantleman’s acquittal, sending him and teaching assistant Ferdinand Tjong back behind bars. The court extended both their sentences from ten to eleven years. The three-member judge panel took less than 48 hours to reach their decision.
An Indonesian news outlet is reporting that the families of the three young children allegedly assaulted are relieved and today’s ruling marks the end of a long wait for justice.
Guy says the family is appealing the decision through a judicial review which could take six to nine months, Neil would stay in jail in the meantime. Another option would be to apply political pressure, something foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion did upon hearing the news.
The Bantlemans are now putting their faith in the Federal government because they have none in the Indonesian judicial system.
After speaking with officials yesterday, Guy was invited to Ottawa. The Bantlemans will meet with federal officials next month to determine the next steps in the case.
