McCulloch: Please appeal for justice in Aceh

[This letter was received from
Lesley McCulloch via an email from the Acehnese human rights activists
working for her release from Indonesian custody. It was written on September
27.]

Those of you who know me personally can confirm I am not often lost
for words. But right now, I am. I hear of the tremendous campaign to secure
the release of Joy-Lee Sadler and I. And I want to say “thank you”, but
this seems so inadequate.

In the past few days, I received news that a legal team is being put
together in Jakarta to work with the fantastic local LBH [Indonesian Legal
Aid Institute] lawyers. News of all this effort around the world is certainly
a source of strength through these difficult times. But I am constantly
troubled by the thought that thousands of Acehnese are being held in cells
in much worse conditions than I, perhaps suffering physical abuse, and
with none of the hope of a favourable outcome I have.

I appreciate the concerns and media attention on my case. But I ask
you to see my case only as a vehicle to highlight the injustice faced by
the Acehnese daily.

The faces of fellow prisoners I have met as they progress through this
legal system will haunt me forever. Their lack of hope and feelings of
despair distress me.

From my position in police custody, I can do very little to help the
Acehnese right now. I think of the thousands who have died, disappeared
and been tortured, those whose lives have been ruined in other ways, in
the destruction of Acehnese society and economy that continues to take
place before our eyes. Please appeal for justice not only in my case, but
for all Acehnese. We are all equal and deserving of the same attention
and support.

I know you are already doing this. But it makes me feel better to write,
and I know you will understand. I owe so many so much; thank you.

In peace and solidarity,

Dr Lesley Jane McCulloch

From Green Left Weekly, October 2, 2002.

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From GLW issue 511