PBHI explains

The board of the Indonesian Association for Legal Aid and Human Rights (PBHI) fully agrees with the contents of Soegih Arto's letter of April 28, in which he stated that special treatment has been given by the government to our client Xanana Gusmao, CNRT president/Falintil commander.

That was one of the reasons why, from the start, PBHI suggested, even urged, the government to free Xanana Gusmao, together with other prisoners of conscience. Thus, his strategic role in the process of a peaceful and integral settlement of the East Timor issue could take place without having to create the impression of special treatment, as inferred by Soegih Arto.

It is necessary to mention that the transfer of our client to the "special detention house" where he is now imprisoned, is wholly the decision and responsibility of the government. PBHI was not involved in the decision.

Second, PBHI would be very grateful and happy, if indeed the government paid Xanana lawyers' fees to PBHI, as queried by Soegih Arto. Unfortunately, lawyers' fees are unknown; they are even prohibited, in an organization of human rights defenders such as PBHI, whose activities are those of a voluntary nature. PBHI does not charge fees for legal service provided to anybody requiring it, including Xanana Gusmao. Although he is recognized as the leader of the Timor Leste nation by the leaders of big countries, our client has similarities with Indonesian people in general, i.e. he is a simple person with no money.

It also needs to be explained that PBHI receives funds for its activities from its members and non-binding contributions from individuals who care. If some day Soegih Arto visits our secretariat -- given for use free of charge by its owner, one of our members -- he will be very startled. His surprise would not concern the fact of minimal fees received by each volunteer and PBHI board members. But would be based on the reality that there are young people who prefer to live with dignity and in solidarity, instead of by money and material goods. It is such young people who, from the beginning until far into the future, have been and will be the backbone and the source of inspiration for our organization.

RACHLAND NASHIDIK

PBHI deputy chairman

for study and communication