Poor Zarina!

Poor Zarina!

From Kompas

Zarina is the focus of the press nowadays and I feel sorry for her. I do not know her at all, but I have been following the case since she was first caught.

Will she be found guilty, or has she already been sentenced by the press? The media has pursued her relentlessly, but more in an attempt to increase sales than provide actual news.

Don't reporters know or understand that Indonesian law adheres to the "presumption of innocence"? Somebody is not guilty until proven so.

I hate Ecstasy, but I respect Zarina's rights as a human being. The press should respect her rights and not write carelessly.

My advice to Zarina is that if you believe you are right, fight for the truth. But if you are wrong, admit it, no matter how painful. And as for the press, please be fair as the case proceeds.

MARIA T. LAHUR

Jakarta