Appeal decision to acquit employer of murdering maid, says Indonesian commission

Adelina Lisao died due to multiple organ failure following alleged abuse at a house in Bukit Mertajam. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Indonesian National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) wants Malaysia to appeal against the acquittal of a woman charged with murdering her Indonesian maid.

On April 19, the High Court in Penang granted Ambika MA Shan a full acquittal on a murder charge after the deputy public prosecutor requested for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

Ambika was charged with murdering Adelina Lisao, 26, who succumbed to multiple organ failure following the alleged abuse at a house in Bukit Mertajam last year.

Komnas Perempuan called on the Indonesian government to urge the DPP to appeal against the acquittal, saying there was still time – 14 days – to do so.

It labelled the decision to acquit Ambiga “a betrayal of the sense of justice for Adelina, Indonesian migrants worker families, the Indonesian nation and Asean”.

“(We want the Indonesian government) to fight for and fulfil Adelina and family’s rights as a victim, including compensation for the family and the right for truth and justice,” it said in a statement.

The commission said Adelina’s death – which sparked outrage in Malaysia – was the result of inadequate protection from both Malaysia and Indonesia for migrant domestic workers who are at risk of being trafficked.

It reminded the Indonesian government that it had a duty to protect its migrant workers according to local and international laws.

“The release of the (alleged) perpetrator will set a bad precedent, spread impunity and eliminate women migrants worker’s rights for protection and justice,” it said. - FMT