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Police 'commit most rights violations'

Torture, shootings and use of intimidation against human rights and media workers
Police 'commit most rights violations'
Leaders including Jesuit Father Franz Magnis Suseno (3rd left) mark 13th anniversary of KontraS
Published: March 21, 2011 10:36 AM GMT
Updated: March 22, 2011 04:36 AM GMT

Police are amongst the worst violators of human rights in Indonesia, according to a Jakarta-based human rights commission in its annual report. The report was issued yesterday to mark the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), which was established on March 20, 1998. “KontraS logged 34 cases of human rights violations this year. From these, police are linked to eight deaths,” Haris Azhar, the commission’s coordinator, said at a press conference in Jakarta. Violations included: torture, shootings and use of intimidation against human rights and media workers, civil society and political prisoners, he said Azhar thanked journalists for publicizing the commission’s activities, and promised to keep focusing on minority groups and marginalized people. “We still have many things to do. We will always encourage victims [of human rights violations] to stand up for their rights, because we will not allow this nation to act violently,” he said. Also attending the press conference were several religious leaders, including Jesuit Father Franz Magnis-Suseno. “We will continue to support your struggle,” the lecturer at Driyarkara School of Philosophy told the commission, thanking members for upholding human rights in the country. Any violence, including examples committed in the name of religion, must be stopped, said Mamat, a Muslim leader. “Today’s event should revive our commitment to ending all violence and oppression,” he added. Related reports Police ‘must stay independent’ Police accused of abusing prisoners IJ13698.1646

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