Indonesia urged to probe human rights allegations
January 8, 2013, 5:08 pm

Indonesian students perform as suspects accusing the government of failing to fight corruption and improve human rights. [AP]

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) alleges that the US-funded police anti-terror squad known as Densus 88 is adopting a policy of preferring not to take suspects alive.

Kontras Chairman Haris Azhar told the Associated Press that Densus 88’s strategy would only lead to more violence.

“I’m worried about the deteriorating public sympathy for police who continue to use violence … there has never been any evaluation of Densus’ actions. It seems the police brutality has contributed to the growing of terrorism,” he said.

On Friday and Saturday, Densus 88 carried out raids in eastern Indonesia, killing seven suspects.

Police officials admitted that no shots were fired during the raid but there was a fear that the suspects could detonate explosives and that Densus 88 members followed procedures in such conditions.

Meanwhile, Rafendi Djamin, the executive director of the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), warned that Indonesia could lose its international stature if it fails to do more to ensure the protection of human rights.

“Indonesia has the opportunity to become the chair of 2013 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation during the trade policy review session in April 2013 in Geneva. And Indonesia has also stated its willingness to host the World Trade Organization’s ministerial conference in December 2013,” Djamin told the Jakarta Globe.

Djamin also said that the arrival of three UN human rights special rapporteurs in the country later this year will likely push Indonesia to focus more on its record.

Source: Agencies