Hundreds of Indonesians face death penalty in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and China

[News_Editor]

Hundreds of Indonesians face death penalty in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and China

2011-11-09 11:30:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesian officials on Tuesday confirmed that more than 220 citizens are facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and China for a number of crimes

Indonesia Migrant Workers Task Force spokesman Humphrey R. Djemat told the Antara news agency that there are currently 45 Indonesians facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, 148 Indonesians in Malaysia and 28 Indonesians in China.

Djemat made the announcement after a meeting between the minister of law and human rights, the coordinating minister of political, security and law affairs and the minister of foreign affairs. He also said that a law office has been set up in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in order to appoint lawyers to help Indonesians abroad.

Most of the Indonesians facing the death penalty have been linked to narcotics cases while others have been charged with murder and possession of firearms. In Saudi Arabia, however, some of the suspects are facing adultery and black magic cases.

Djemat expressed concern as information regarding the alleged criminal offenses of many Indonesian migrant workers is often made unavailable until their cases have already reached the courts. He insisted a memorandum of understanding should be signed in such countries in order to coordinate their legal cases.

One of the most media-covered cases this year was the execution of migrant worker Ruyati binti Satubi. She was executed on June 18 in Saudi Arabia after a court found her guilty of murdering the wife of a Saudi businessman. The Indonesian woman worked as a housekeeper and confessed to killing her employer after a fight.

Since January, government officials have tightened regulations regarding labor workers being sent out to Saudi Arabia by increasing requirements for possible employers. Among the new requirements is the need to include documents that prove the employers' good conduct, a house map, details and pictures of family members, opening communication access and offering a minimum wage of 11,000 reals ($2,900).

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-11-09