Neil Bantleman calls for help from Indonesian prison
Burlington, Ont., teacher fighting rape charges says he's 'looking forward to the truth being told'
In a new video from behind the bars of an Indonesian prison cell, Canadian teacher Neil Bantleman 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."
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.
Bantleman and Tjiong are in neighbouring cells in Cipinang Penitentiary Institution, a maximum-security prison.
Now that the trial is confirmed, Guy Bantleman described this as "an extremely stressful time."
Guy Bantleman said Tuesday he still hopes Canadian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich or NDP Leader Tom Mulcair will issue a statement from the Canadian government urging transparency as the proceedings continue.
"This is not about demanding his release, it's about due process and transparency in the case," he said.
Neil Bantleman taught for 10 years at Webber Academy in Calgary.