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Indonesian model home safely after dramatic escape
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sun, 05/31/2009 6:18 PM | World
Manohara Odelia Pinot, an Indonesian model who was reported to have been kept and abused by her royal Malaysian husband, returned to Indonesia on Sunday, after a dramatic escape from a hotel in Singapore.Speaking to a packed press conference in Jakarta, the Indonesian model of American descent, who speaks fluent English and French, recounted her movie-like escape: she had to hide out in a bathroom to buy time, refuse to be injected against her will and repeatedly press the emergency button in the elevator before the Singaporean police came to help her.
“They [the Singaporean police] brought me to a room. My mother arrived not long afterward and we embraced each other,” she said as quoted by Detik.com.
Daisy Fajarini told El-shinta radio she flew to Singapore after learning that her daughter was in the country.
The Foreign Ministry said the American Embassy was involved in the process of freeing Manohara. “The ministry coordinated with the United States Embassy because Manohara’s biological father is an American national which makes her an American national as well,” Teuku Faizasyah, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson told The Jakarta Post.
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James Gracie (not verified) — Wed, 06/03/2009 - 12:44pm
Having just watched an interview with Manohara on RCTI I am appalled that such things can happen in the civilized modern world. The girl obviously needs help to heal the psychological damage she has suffered. I hope she takes it. The royal person clearly abused his power and does not even have the bravery to discuss the matter. In stead he sent a lackey to lie on his behalf. The Singapore authorities once again proved that their country is one of the safest and fairest in the world.
I wish Manohara well in the future.
Ange (not verified) — Wed, 06/03/2009 - 7:17am
Please do not judge. So far, all is hearsay.
This is a grave matter, whether for the said victim (even for a modern, well educated, highly exposed, underaged girl model, Indonesian star, the accuse's wife) who suffered torture and rape, or for the said accused (even for a modern, well educated, highly exposed, young man Malaysian prince, the victim's husband).
The victim, if she is really tortured and raped, must fight for her honour, for the honour of all women, all wives, all Indonesians and win the condamnation of the said accused, king's son or not. No compromise, no deal otherwise she is guilty as a victim or just a slanderous girl.
The accused, if he is innocent of torture and rape, must fight for his honour, for the honour of all men, all husbands, of all Malaysians, and win the condamantion of the said victim, underaged girl model star or not. No compromise, no deal otherwise he is guilty as an accused or just a spoilt prince that should be caned by law as in his princely kingdom.
Heresay is not good for such grave matter.
Ashamed Malaysian (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 8:50pm
After I received an email message regarding the kidnap and mistreatment of Manohara with pictorial captions, the mainstream newspapers in Malaysia responded with a picture of a smiling Manohara and the royal family at a wedding. I thought that the email article was a fraud to bring disrepute. Now the truth is confirmed. Malaysian state controlled newspapers are did what they have to do to "protect" the relevant parties and their own publishing license. We ordinary Malaysians cannot speak up much but I salute Manohara for her bravery. Hope she will continue to expose them with the truths of what really happened. I don't really expect her to get any real justice, knowing how the Malaysian government have a hard grip on the judiciary, that he is royalty and crown prince. But we the people need to know the whole truth to shatter the myth of the royals and vote correctly in the elections. Be very careful and take good care.
Helena van der Winden (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 7:45pm
If you check the history of royal families (everywhere in the world), the warrior classes, the "Ksatriyas", etc, there are always stories of rapes, murders, oppressions, incests, etc. Those were the reason of why they could become royalty. You should not be surprised.
Mad Hatter of Bali (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 12:40pm
Why did Manohara appear at the news conference in Jakarta wearing the uniform of Laskar Merah Putih? Why did her mother Daisy Fajarina allegedly auction her off in the first place to the highest bidder? Why did she leave her fairytale prince only to return to him?
Malaysian (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 12:06pm
As a Malaysian, I'm ashamed at our royalty of such abuse of status and power. Please don't hate us Malaysians for this criminal behaviour unbecoming of a royalty, we share the same concerns for Manohara and strongly urge the Indonesian people and government to seek all the channels available to ensure that justice is served. Don't give up!
Dr. Zainul Azizan (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 9:07am
It is good for us to bring this issue to court. At least all will know what really happened to be fair to all parties. She is in Kota Bharu which is near thailand. She can always escape if she wanted too. Could it be money, publicity? Mind you she was a model. Not a kampung (village0 girl lured into marrying a prince. It is rubbish to say the prince kept her under lock and key and she does not have freedom. It could be a marry, get bangged and then divorce and go to the bank scheme. Very funny publicity stunt.
Abi (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 7:48am
The Kelantan Prince must be castrated if Manohara's allegations of sexual abuse and cruelty are found to be true. With money from the Government's coffers the Royalty are leading a life of extravagance. The authorities should be bold enough to investigate if the Prince is a sex maniac and a psycho.
Abi
Johnny Manis (not verified) — Tue, 06/02/2009 - 1:46am
I'd not say much other than that I am relieved that the young wife of the Kelantanese prince has managed to escape to her country and be with her mother. As far as I know Malaysia's leading online news portal Malaysiakini.com has been carrying the stories.The mainstream media in Malaysia has not mentioned anything about it.
My only hope the physical abuse and the insults have ended and whether the prince is to be charged and prosecuted that will depend on Malaysian police, whether the young wife has lodged a report, andwhether lawyers for the young wife are taking up the case against the prince.
Yes, it is a personal family conflict and the matter can also go the civil court.
The alleged incident has not put Malaysian royalty in a good light and considering recent political controversy in Perak and the involvement of the state palace, public opinion is not always favourable as far as royalty is concerned now.
Karamazov (not verified) — Mon, 06/01/2009 - 9:03pm
People who wed into royalty for the wrong reasons should be prepared for the consequences.
20 years or so ago, same problems with another princeling from Trengannu (next door to Kelantan state). Same problem of sexual appetite of the royal concerned. He wanted a second wife after having 2 kids with Australian Chinese wife. Kidnapped the kids from Australia altho Aussie Court gave custody to wife (who since re-married). She did not ever see them again until they were in their late teens of early twenties!
Little girls .... beware. All that glitters is not gold.