New Twist in Case: Father of Child Victim at Pati Islamic Boarding School Accompanied by Advocacy Team
A new fact is alleged to have been revealed in the case of the alleged sexual harassment of female students by a figure who's the caregiver of an Islamic boarding school in Patrean, Ndholo, Kusumo, Pati Regency, Central Java.
One of the victims' fathers claims to have received pressure and intimidation to stop the legal process against the suspect, Ashari.
MAH revealed that he has been visited three times by figures from a certain community organization (ormas). These figures are strongly suspected of being emissaries of the suspect, AS, to pressure MAH into withdrawing his police report.
"They have come up to three times. Even though they haven't brought any money, the intimidating words they conveyed were very harsh," said MAH on Friday (8/3/2024).
Despite that pressure, MAH emphasized he will continue to seek justice. This step he is taking is not only for his child but also to save other female students so they do not become the next victims in that pesantren environment.
One of the victims, aged VI (19), is alleged to have suffered sexual harassment by AS for almost three years while she was still in the boarding school environment. The modus operandi used by the suspect is also alleged to be related to the abuse of his authority as the head of the boarding school.
The victims' legal counsel, Ali Yusron, stated that the number of potential reporters continues to grow. However, he acknowledged the existence of systematic efforts to silence the victims.
"Initially there were eleven reports, but seven of them have withdrawn their reports. It turns out they were recruited and employed as teachers at that boarding school so they would not continue the case," said Ali Yusron.
Victims Urged to Have the Courage to Report
This legal party is currently accompanying a number of victims who are starting to find the courage to speak up. Ali appealed to other parents whose children became victims to immediately report to the police.
"We hope parents are not afraid. Don't let your children's futures be destroyed. We are ready to accompany them until this case is resolved in court," he said.
The suspect, Ashari, is currently being detained at the Pati Police Station cells and is threatened with charges under Article 15 related to child protection and sexual violence crimes. Police are still deepening the total number of female students who became victims in this case that has shaken the Pati community.
Source: http://gelora.co/jenws/rid/tan