Neil Bantleman, a Burlington, Ontario, Canada, teacher fighting child rape charges says he's 'looking forward to the truth being told'
"It's time to end corruption in this country," he said in the video. "We need all the international help and assistance we can get by exposing the truth, exposing justice."
The 45-year-old teacher from Burlington, Ont., is facing charges in a sexual assault investigation involving a Jakarta school. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that an indictment read in closed court Tuesday accuses Bantleman and aide Ferdinand Tijong with multiple counts of rape involving three different boys.
As cameras flashed, supporters of Bantleman called out to him. "You’re awesome," one said.
"Who’s at school if you’re all here?" Bantleman asked the crowd, presumably filled with co-workers.
"You’ve got a good sense of humour, honey," called back another person — likely his wife, Tracy.
Bantleman told reporters that "it’s time for justice." So good to see him developing a feisty spirit.
He is in court in Jakarta this week to face charges, months after he was taken into custody. He was swept up in a sexual assault investigation after several kindergarten children alleged they were assaulted at the Jakarta International School where he taught.
His family maintains his innocence. Judges will announce their decision whether to proceed with the charges on Dec. 15, after hearing the arguments of Bantleman’s lawyer. But exceptions are rarely granted, said his brother, Guy Bantleman.
The prosecution is expected to call its key witness — one of the children who alleged sexual assault — sometime later this month or in January.
As in previous posts on this story, I remind you that accusing people of child rape then suing them is a growing cottage industry in Indonesia.
Bantleman and Tjiong are in neighbouring cells in Cipinang Penitentiary Institution, a maximum-security prison. Good grief!
Now that the trial is confirmed, Guy Bantleman described this as "an extremely stressful time."
He said he has heard from Canadian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.
Neil Bantleman taught for 10 years at Webber Academy in Calgary.
I hope you will join me in praying for the truth to come out and justice to be done.
"It's time to end corruption in this country," he said in the video. "We need all the international help and assistance we can get by exposing the truth, exposing justice."
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| Neil Bantleman supporters gather at an Indonesian courthouse. |
As cameras flashed, supporters of Bantleman called out to him. "You’re awesome," one said.
"Who’s at school if you’re all here?" Bantleman asked the crowd, presumably filled with co-workers.
 |
| Neil Bantleman looks back at his wife during a court appearance |
Bantleman told reporters that "it’s time for justice." So good to see him developing a feisty spirit.
He is in court in Jakarta this week to face charges, months after he was taken into custody. He was swept up in a sexual assault investigation after several kindergarten children alleged they were assaulted at the Jakarta International School where he taught.
His family maintains his innocence. Judges will announce their decision whether to proceed with the charges on Dec. 15, after hearing the arguments of Bantleman’s lawyer. But exceptions are rarely granted, said his brother, Guy Bantleman.
The prosecution is expected to call its key witness — one of the children who alleged sexual assault — sometime later this month or in January.
As in previous posts on this story, I remind you that accusing people of child rape then suing them is a growing cottage industry in Indonesia.
 |
| Jakarta International School where Bantleman taught |
Now that the trial is confirmed, Guy Bantleman described this as "an extremely stressful time."
He said he has heard from Canadian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.
Neil Bantleman taught for 10 years at Webber Academy in Calgary.
I hope you will join me in praying for the truth to come out and justice to be done.
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