Indonesian Pastor Damanik released amidst celebration and hope

Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 15, 2004 – Rev. Rinaldy Damanik, better known as Abang, imprisoned on what many believe were false charges, was released for good conduct on November 9 – almost a year earlier than his original release date.

Damanik, a prominent figure in peace negotiations between warring Muslim and Christian communities on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, was convicted on charges of "illegal weapons possession" in June 2003 and sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Friends, family and members of the press who gathered outside Maesa Detention Center faced an anxious two–hour wait as papers for Damanik’s release were processed.