PBHI explains

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