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