US court upholds ruling on RI maid slavery

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected arguments by attorneys for Mahender and Varsha Sabhnani that sought to overturn their conviction.

It also ordered a recalculation of restitution so that the Indonesian women could receive more money.

Varsha Sabhnani's lawyer argued that publicity of the case had prevented a fair trial. Her husband's lawyer argued that he had not actively taken part in hurting the women.

Varsha Sabhnani is serving a 13-year sentence. Her husband, who has been freed on bail, is to begin serving his three-year sentence next week.

The husband is originally from India, and the wife from Indonesia. Both are naturalized US citizens. - JP