INDONESIA/ACEH: Denial of freedom of expression; threat to people’s movement for peace and democracy
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\”I will politically take reponsible for what I have done in Sura Peace Rally on January 9, 2003. I will also keep on calling for democracy until fundamental freedom and independence prevail in Aceh. Repression will never stop me.\”
The above was written by Mr. Kautsar bin Muhammad Yus, who has been targeted by the police for interrogation, because he spoke at a peaceful gathering calling for the enforcement of human rights principles and rapid demilitarization in Aceh. The rally was organised by ‘Voice of Acehnese People’ (SURA) on January 9, 2003, and was subject to a high level of police interference with blockades in Meurah Mulia, Dewantara, Lhoksukon and other places preventing some 12,000 Acehnese from attending. Police even shot 4 civilians attempting to join the rally (who were injured and taken to hospital), but 3,000 still managed to participate.
Police had been duly notified of the gathering, but rather than using this information to provide security, it was used to try to prevent the rally from succeeding. Despite receiving the appropriate information, the police have still stated that they were not notified and have used this as a feeble excuse to interrogate Mr. Kautsar once again.
BACKGROUND
It may not sound like much to be requested to attend a police inquiry, but the fact the Mr. Kautsar has previously been arbitrarily arrested by the Indonesian security forces for his participation in a public Muslim prayer meeting on 22 September 2002, and reportedly subjected to torture and degrading treatment while in custody, makes the real intentions of the police very clear: the security forces will use terror to stifle independent voices in Aceh. Mr. Kautsar believes that the police are trying to target the speakers and organisers of this rally in order to cover up the shooting incident of the four civilians, which puts them in contravention of the ceasefire agreement.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Freedom of expression must be guaranteed in order for peace to be secured in Aceh. We ask you to write letters to the president, national chief of police of Indonesia and also to the Joint Security Committee overseeing the current cease-fire. You may use the following sample letter as a basis for your letter.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear
I am concerned about the targeting of Mr. Kautsar bin Muhammad Yus by the police in Aceh. Mr. Kautsar has been called for investigation and accused of crimes for merely speaking at a peaceful public rally on January 9 2003. I am also concerned about the shooting of four civilians by police on the same day.
It is vital that freedom of expression is guaranteed during this current ceasefire in order for ordinary Acehnese to be participants in the peace-building.
I urge you therefore to drop all charges against the organisers and speakers (including Mr. Kautsar) at this rally and other peaceful gatherings, and to make a full inquiry into the shooting incident so that democracy may be a foundation-stone for the future of Aceh.
I look forward to learning about your prompt action on this matter.
Yours sincerely,
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SEND LETTERS TO;
1. Mrs. Megawati Sukarnoputri
President, Republic of Indonesia
Presidential Palace, Jakarta,
Istana Negara,
INDONESIA
Fax: +62 21 345 2685 or 526 8726
E-mail: presiden@ri.go.id
2. National chief of police
Commander-General D'ai Bachtiar
Kepala Polri - Markas Besar Kepolisian RI
Kapolri (Mabes POLRI)
Jl. Trunojoyo 13
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta-Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Fax: +62 21 348537 or 7207277 or 7260306 or 72014021
Email: kapolri@polri.go.id
3. Aceh chief of police
Inspector General Bahrumsyah
Jl. Cut Meutia
Banda Aceh
INDONESIA
Fax: 62-651 22488
4. Head of the Joint Security Committee
c/o Henri Dunant Centre in Geneva,
Major-General Tranongsuk Tuvinun,
Fax: 41-22 908-1140
Kindly also inform the Indonesian embassy in your country.
