Former Calgary teacher Neil Bantleman appeared in a Jakarta courtroom on Tuesday, accused of sexually assaulting a kindergarten student at the Jakarta International School.
Bantleman appeared with his co-accused, teaching assistant Ferdinant Tjiong.
From his jail cell, Bantleman made a public appeal for justice.
“We need all the International help and assistance that we can get…(inaudible) to assist us by exposing the truth, exposing justice, so we can go back to do what we love to do which is teach and go back to our families who we love and miss.”
Bantleman and Tjiong were tried separately in close door sessions. Both men have been in custody since July.
Several teachers and parents of the pupils held up banners and demonstrated in support of the men. Bantleman’s wife Tracy was also in attendance.
“I truly believe and truly know that my husband is innocent. This whole situation has been extremely demoralizing for him.”
Bantleman was previously a physicial education teacher at Calgary’s Webber Academy for ten years.
Judges are expected to take the next two weeks to review all of the evidence. They will then announce if both Bantleman and Tjiong will go to trail.
The family of the victim is suing the Jakarta International School for 130 million dollars U.S.
The school is primarily attended by the children of foreign diplomats and business executives.
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