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everal local NGOs have come together to form a support group for the victims of child abuse, their parents, the community and law enforcement institutions.

The Support Network for Victims of Pedophilia in Singaraja wants the Singaraja District Court to review all the information pertaining to pedophilia cases in Singaraja and in Buleleng regency.

Dutch citizen Jan Vogel is currently on trial at the Singaraja District Court for allegedly molesting several girls in Kaliasem and Lovina in Buleleng.

I Dewa Ayu Mas Ismayani from the Friends of Balinese Children Foundation, expressed her concern over a recent trial session for Vogel.

“In Vogel’s recent trial session, a witness withdrew the testimony that she had made in her statement. We are very suspicious about possible pressure on the witnesses in the course of the trial,” Ismayani said.

Members of the group called on judges and prosecutors to refer to Law No. 23/2002 on child protection, adopted by the Indonesian government with the support of UNICEF.

Under the law, children have the right to protection from abuse and violence actions that might endanger their physical and mental wellbeing.