TORONTO — The family of a Canadian teacher convicted in Indonesia on child abuse charges is marking the second anniversary of his detention by calling for an impartial review of his case.
Neil Bantleman has maintained his innocence ever since he was accused of abusing three children at an international school in Jakarta.
In February this year, Indonesia's Supreme Court overturned a lower court's acquittal of Bantleman's charges and he was put back in prison with an 11-year sentence after being out on bail while his case was heard.
Bantleman has called the trial a complete miscarriage of justice and his lawyers are now preparing an application for a judicial review of his case.
Bantleman's brother says his family and supporters continue to work to have the 47-year-old released and are currently focused on his legal efforts.
Guy Bantleman says while it's frustrating that his brother has to mark two years of an ongoing nightmare, his family is hopeful progress is being made in the case.
A peaceful demonstration was planned outside the Indonesian Consulate in Toronto and a vigil was planned in Calgary for Thursday evening to draw attention to Neil Bantleman's ordeal.
