Neil Bantleman, Canadian teacher, to face trial in Indonesia

After news the Canadian teacher will face a trial in Indonesia in connection with a high-profile sexual assault case, Neil Bantlemans family is wondering what more they can do to protect him.

Guy Bantleman, Neils brother, was on the phone with CBC Hamilton as he read the latest news from Indonesia that teachers at the Jakarta International School have been advised there will be a trial. Neil Bantleman will also be moved to the Cipinang Penitentiary for the pre-trial period, which is expected to last 3-4 months.

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The prosecutor involved in the case said it could be weeks, however, before charges are laid against Bantleman even though on Wednesday, police had committed to laying charges before the weekend.

What's wrong with this system that someone that's only capable of good is having to go through this.- JoelChalifoux, former colleague of Bantleman's atWebber Academy in Calgary

Bantleman, a 45-year-old from Burlington, Ont. has been detained for 109 days since being taken in for police questioning in July in connection with allegations that several kindergarten students at the school had been sexually assaulted.

Indonesian teaching assistant Ferdinand Tjiong was also taken into custody at the same time and is still being held.

For Guy Bantleman, frustration is mounting. On Wednesday, he said he exchanged voicemail messages with federal officials with the Department of Foreign Affairs, but they didnt offer any further assistance. He wants them to do some level of investigation of their own and to put out more information about the case.

So far, officials have saidthey are providing consular assistance and are engaged with local authorities about the case.

Bantleman said he wonders why, in the absence of evidence, his brother hasnt been allowed to return to Canada to await his trial. Bantleman points out his brother voluntarily surrendered his passport to authorities and has co-operated with the investigation, but despite that good faith he has not been afforded freedom.

At Webber Academy in Calgary, where Bantleman taught for ten years, the news of impending charges was met with disbelief.

"We're all, I think, feeling that what's going on?" said Joel Chalifoux, who works at the school and is close friends with the Bantlemans.

"What's wrong with this system that someone that's only capable of good is having to go through this."

Bantlemans supports at the school are planning another vigil soon to raise awareness of the case.

Guy Bantleman also said while the vigils in his brothers honour in both Indonesia, Calgary, and other places Neil has taught have been a positive, he wishes something could be done to free his brother now.