Jakarta, Indonesia (News Today) - Amnesty International criticised Indonesia on Friday for persecuting political activists including those who display separatist symbols in restive areas such as Maluku. The human rights group called for the release of at least 22 activists charged with “rebellion” for planning a peaceful rally and possessing the outlawed South Maluku Republic (RMS) flag and membership cards.
They face a maximum penalty of life in prison under Indonesia’s harsh laws against sedition. Local sources said the activists had material on alleged human rights violations in Maluku and had planned to demonstrate during a visit to the area by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono earlier this month.
The arrests highlight the “failure of the Indonesian government to distinguish between armed groups and peaceful political activists”, Amnesty said in a statement.
“Amnesty International urges the Indonesian government to release immediately and unconditionally the activists, who are all men, if they have been arrested solely for their peaceful political activities,” it said.
Indonesia has fought numerous separatist insurgencies throughout the sprawling archipelago and remains sensitive to breakaway movements. Jakarta crushed the RMS shortly after its declaration of independence in 1950 but the movement was revived following the fall of authoritarian president Suharto in 1998.
More than 20 Maluku activists are serving jail sentences of between seven years and life for unfurling the rebel flag in front of Yudhoyono during a visit to the eastern region in 2007.
Source : kompas
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Indonesia Must Not Criminalise Peaceful Rallies
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