Elizabeth May issued the following statement on Neil Bantleman:
“Today, I urge the Government of Canada to call on Indonesian authorities to safeguard Neil Bantleman’s rights while he undergoes trial in Jakarta. I join a growing chorus of concern from within Canada and the international community regarding Mr. Bantleman’s treatment. The charges against Mr. Bantleman are serious and it is of utmost importance that strict standards are upheld throughout his trial. That the chief judge has ordered participants not to speak about the trial publicly adds to the serious concerns that this Canadian citizen will receive a fair and open trial. I call on the Government of Canada to take the necessary diplomatic action to ensure that Mr. Bantleman receives a transparent and just trial.”