Thousands in Hong Kong rally in support of badly beaten maid

“We have to end modern day slavery like this,” said Ila Hasan, 32, a domestic worker from Indonesia’s island of Java, who wore a red shawl and a blue bandana emblazoned with the word ‘Justice’. “The employer isn’t human. These things shouldn’t happen.”

Hong Kong police and the labour bureau are now investigating the case and will interview Erwiana on Monday, said Eni Lestari, the head of advocacy group the International Migrants’ Alliance. A second maid also gave a statement to police, saying she had frequently been beaten and abused by the same employer. No formal charges have yet been made against the Hong Kong employer, who also reportedly threatened to kill Erwiana and her family if she revealed the abuse she suffered.

Erwiana is now recovering from her injuries at a hospital in central Java. “I want the ones who tortured and wronged my daughter to be prosecuted and have justice done,” said her father, Rohmad Saputra.