A Hong Kong woman was convicted Tuesday of beating and starving her Indonesian maid and keeping her prisoner in a case that sparked international outrage and highlighted the plight of migrant domestic workers.

The verdict, read out to a packed courtroom, was met with cheers by activists and supporters of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, a former domestic helper who has become the face of a campaign for improved workers’ rights in the financial hub.

Pictures of the injuries sustained by the 24-year-old, who was admitted to hospital in her home country emaciated and in a critical condition after being abused by mother-of-two Law Wan-tung, fuelled anger in Indonesia and shocked Hong Kong.

Sulistyaningsih hailed the ruling but called for reforms to ensure Hong Kong employers no longer treated domestic workers « like slaves ».

She said that while she forgave her abuser, she hoped Law would receive the maximum seven year jail term when sentencing is announced on February 27.

« She was, for want of a better word, a prisoner in those premises, » Judge Amanda Woodcock said, referring to Sulistyaningsih.

« She was completely isolated, and (this) helps explain why this abuse could go on for so long without her retaliating or anyone knowing. »…
AFP