bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sponsorType

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Phila Siu

Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, the Indonesian domestic worker allegedly tortured by her employer, was forced to stay inside the Indonesian consulate at Causeway Bay under police guard like a "hostage", according to about 50 supporters who massed outside the building yesterday.
By late last night, Erwiana had been allowed out and was in the care of the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW).
"We met her on [Monday] night and she said she wanted to leave and stay with her friends," said Sringatin, spokeswoman for the Justice for Erwiana campaign and the MFMW.
"She did not feel comfortable with the police watching her round the clock."
A police spokesman said the arrangement was to ensure Erwiana's safety, and that the force had obtained her approval before she returned to Hong Kong from Indonesia.

Erwiana, 23, touched down on Monday to provide evidence in a trial against her former employer, Law Wan-tung.
Law, 44, is accused of abusing the helper during the eight months she was in her employ last year.
The housewife is charged with one count each of causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault, as well as four counts of criminal intimidation against three domestic helpers. The case has been adjourned to April 29 and she has been released on bail.
Erwiana, flanked by police officers, met lawyer Melville Boase at his law firm in Wan Chai at around noon yesterday, before visiting the Kowloon West regional police headquarters.
The day before, she was taken to the consulate upon arrival, together with her father, two friends and a lawyer, who had all flown to the city with her, Sringatin said.
It was her wish to meet friends and stay at a shelter run by the MFMW, Sringatin added.
"Erwiana said the consulate told her this arrangement was in place in order to protect her. She was so upset that she has not eaten anything since she returned to Hong Kong. She wanted to have breakfast outside and even that was not allowed."
Consul Rafail Walangitan said the police had requested that she stay inside the consulate.
"We have of course listened to what Erwiana said. But the request was made by the police so let's let the police decide."
Police said they were happy to "make further arrangements", providing these did not affect Erwiana's safety.


Erwiana allowed to leave consulate after demonstration

Erwiana leaves the consulate yesterday. She is in Hong Kong to testify against her ex-employer, who is accused of torture. Photo: Felix Wong

Erwiana Sulistyaningsih leaves the consulate building today to meet with a lawyer in Wan Chai. Photo: Felix Wong

Supporters demand Erwiana be allowed to move freely around the city. Photo: Felix Wong

Erwiana’s arrival in Hong Kong marred by dispute over accommodation

Erwiana leaves the Indonesian Consulate. Photo: Felix Wong

Erwiana arrives at Hong Kong International Airport on April 7, 2014. Photo: Felix Wong

Erwiana (centre) looked much healthier. Photo: SCMP Pictures

A screenshot taken from Facebook of Erwiana after her alleged abuse. Photo: SCMP pictures

News

Hong Kong

Police guard domestic worker at consulate; she wants to stay at shelter


Domestic helper Erwiana Sulistyaningsih has been forced to stay at Hong Kong's Indonesian Consulate under police guard, not allowed to leave unless accompanied by officials, her supporters claimed today.


Erwiana allowed to leave consulate after demonstration

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Police guard domestic worker at consulate; she wants to stay at shelter

Police guard domestic worker at consulate; she wants to stay at shelter