Trial starts for Ontario teacher accused of sexually abusing child
A Canadian teacher and a teaching assistant went on trial Tuesday in Indonesia, accused of sexually abusing a kindergarten student at an international school.
Neil Bantleman of Burlington, Ont., and Ferdinant Tjiong maintain their innocence as do fellow teachers and the principal at the Jakarta International School.
Speaking to reporters from behind bars after appearing in the South Jakarta District Court, Bantleman appeared joking and relaxed but said he wanted the truth to be told. “It’s time for justice,” he said. Around 60 teachers and parents of pupils at the school were protesting outside the court in support of the pair.
The men, who have been in custody since July, are being tried separately in closed-door sessions.
A judge read out the charges against them in Tuesday’s session. They were not required to enter a plea.
Five janitors at the school are being tried over the same allegations. A sixth died in custody.
Guy Bantleman says while his brother had hoped the charges would be dropped by now, the prospect of being able to challenge the “wild allegations” is giving his brother grounds for optimism.
He says Bantleman’s legal team will move to have the case thrown out.
Bantleman’s legal team will also try to have him transferred out of prison and into home arrest, said his brother, adding that he has been harassed by fellow inmates and is concerned for his safety.
Supporters of Bantleman and Tjiong say the student, who was six at the time the alleged abuse occurred, was subject to suggestive questioning by inexperienced police.