Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun were released on probation on 8 June 2007 after two years in imprisonment. They are now spending time with their families.

Despite a lack of evidence, the three women were sentenced on 1 September 2005 to three years in prison and a fine of 1.5 million rupiah (approximately '80) on charges of trying to Christianise' Muslim children without their parents' consent.

Ratna will be returning to her ancestral village in Medan later this summer where she will re-marry according to the Batak tribe tradition. Her return to the village will fulfil the dying wish of her father who died while she was still in prison. Eti will be focusing on supporting her husband's business and spending time with her children. Dr. Rebecca is planning on finishing her Masters in Theology.

All three will be on probation until February 2009. If they engage in any activities perceived to be Christianisation', their probation will be withdrawn. Although this is standard practice in Indonesia, it is likely that they will be closely observed not just by the authorities but also by the Islamist groups behind their arrest. They have therefore stepped down from any active role in the church.

Speaking about her release, Dr Rebekka told CSW: I am very happy to see my family. My Muslim neighbours came to welcome me with tears in their eyes and many sent food and welcome messages. The same happened to Eti. There were also tearful goodbyes when we left the prison and even the guards had tears in their eyes when they said goodbye.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: We are delighted that these three women have been released. CSW representatives have met with them regularly during their prison sentence, most recently in May. Their faith during their unjust imprisonment has been inspirational.