Your comments on the move by David Widjaya's family to take an investigation into his death to the International Court. A Singaporean Subordinate Court found David committed suicide at his university in Singapore, and was not murdered as suspected by his family.
I fear that the bereaved family (my deepest condolences to them) and many commentators are being sucked into this conspiracy theory story because, like all conspiracy theories, the speculation is much more attractive than the often mundane reality.
It is true that transparency is not a strong point of the Singapore legal system. However, it is also true that, tragically, a great many young men of David's age begin to suffer from mental illnesses and this is often undetected until it is too late. I would suggest that this is a much more parsimonious explanation in this case than some conspiracy to kill a student and subsequently cover up his death.
David
Jakarta
The Singaporean government is never transparent about anything. In any other country this government would have gone down so fast. But then this is Singapore, a nanny state, where everyone has to be told what to do by the government. David Wijaya's family has stood up to the regime. It's time the people of Singapore stood up for government's accountability.
Steven K
Singapore
So, what hard evidence has David's family produced other than testimonies from friends who simply state that he could not have committed suicide? Is it really that easy for Singapore to create a conspiracy to protect one professor when a murder has just taken place in broad daylight with so many students around?
Lenoxs
Singapore
This case should make us realize that our government still discriminates against Indonesian minorities. Who are the minorities? Non-Muslims, the poor and non-indigenous Indonesian people.
Two thumbs up to the UI forensic teams who were brave enough to speak out against the explanation offered by the Singaporean government and accepted by our own government only because of discrimination. I cast my ballot for SBY but right now am regretting it.
Jay C.
Jakarta
Support David's families fight. Fight for the truth. Teach a lesson, publish it internationally, so the world can know the real Singapore. Do not sweep this case under the carpet.
Pauline NG
Sydney
I want to send my deepest condolences to the Hartanto family for the tragic death of their son. This nation has lost one of it's brilliant youths.
However, in regards to the issue of bringing this case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or to the International Criminal Court (ICC), I must say unfortunately such an act is merely impossible. It is unfortunate that Hartanto's lawyer, one of the more prominent lawyers in Indonesia, came up with such an implausible idea.
As a matter of fact, the ICJ only deals with disputes between states concerning matters on international law and with serious and grave crimes committed by individuals, such as genocide or crimes against humanity.
Therefore, the government of Indonesia has no capacity to intervene nor bring this case to the international court.
I post this comment to clarify what I believe is a social misunderstanding about international and ordinary courts.
Gading
Bogor, West Java
Funny how it took the coroner such a long time to "investigate" what should have been an open and shut case. This whole thing stinks.
And I know Singapore's National Day is around the corner, patriotism is higher than usual, but in such cases, hard forensic evidence is generally preferred than shoddy testimonies and blind faith in the infallibility/truth of any government.
And please do not use "respect the dead" as an emotional shield to silence anyone who disagrees with the dubious verdict.
James
Singapore
