Permadi

Thank you for printing my letter (Aug. 25, 1995) about the Permadi case.

However you significantly undercut the force and foundation of argument when you misquoted the Criminal Code. Article 156a relates to someone who "sows" enmity and hatred against a certain group or religious community.

You changed the word "sows" to "shows." My word was "sowed."

My whole letter was built upon the word "sows" in your Criminal Code.

Also, I ask again, why haven't you helped us to understand this case better by printing an actual transcript of Permadi's address?

Also, if you could, please tell us where Permadi is now and how we can help him.

He sounds like an innocent victim of Indonesia's political, religious, and legal systems. Time will tell on the latter. You said the courts were to announce their verdict in one week.

As for me, it's the integrity of your Indonesian legal system, and not Permadi, who's really on trial here.

DAN ADAMS

Jakarta

Note: The transcript of Permadi's address is not available. The controversy is based on a discussion session. Permadi is in the Wirogunan prison in Yogyakarta.

-- Editor