Select File and then Print from your browser's menu. On the day before the presentation of the 1999 Reebok Human Rights Awards, the U.S.-based athletic footwear and apparel leader Reebok International Ltd. made public today a letter from Reebok CEO Paul Fireman to Indonesian President B.J. Habibie urging the release of imprisoned Indonesian labor rights activist, Dita Sari. Consequently, I ask that you release Dita without condition so that she may participate freely in the upcoming debates that will shape Indonesia's future. Inspired and conscientious leadership will set an important example for Indonesia and, I am certain, will be lauded by many around the world. I am hoping that by making this letter public at this time, President Habibie will hear the cries for her release.
Workers have the rights to freedom of speech and assembly.
Dita Sari has been particularly effective at raising issues on behalf of factory workers, and her voice deserves to be heard. Following Reebok's lead, other footwear manufacturers raised wages. Workers also receive Sembako packets which include rice, sugar and other staples. In March 1998 at the Reebok Human Rights Awards ceremonies, Reebok called for the release of four imprisoned human rights activists around the world. The concerted efforts of the international human rights community, of which Reebok is proud to be a part, resulted in the release of three of the four activists.