RI police often violate human rights, says Amnesty

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In its latest report human rights organization Amnesty International says there remained a considerable number of human rights violations in Indonesia in 2010, including the “excessive use of force” by police against protesters and in counterterrorism operations.

Amnesty cites a violent clash between residents and police officers in Biau, Central Sulawesi, in August 2010, which was triggered by the death of Kasmir Timumum, 19, who died while in police custody.

Police say Kasmir committed suicide, but his family, who were denied access to his autopsy report, have alleged that there were indications of torture.

“Protesters raided the police station, attacking police officers and burning motorcycles parked outside, in response to [Kasmir's] death. Police opened fire on the protesters, killing seven of them and injuring 20,” Amnesty said in a press statement released on Friday.

The statement is based on Amnesty International Report 2011: State of the World’s Human Rights, which covers the period from January to December 2010.

Regarding the police habit of killing of terrorist suspects, the rights group says, “There were concerns that counter-terrorism operations by police that led to the deaths of at least 24 suspects did not meet national and international standards on the use of force.”

Amnesty also highlights the “torture and ill-treatment” of detainees, particularly criminal suspects from poor and marginalized communities, and those suspected of pro-independence activities in Papua and Maluku, by Indonesian security forces.

It also criticizes the freedom of expression that “continued to be suppressed in some cases”, discrimination against religious minorities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups, among other issues.


(2011-5-13/The Jakarta Post)