INDONESIA: ACTIVISTS FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR PEACEFUL PROTESTS

Dear Mr. Listyo Sigit Prabowo,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing criminal prosecution of Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah, Muzaffar Salim, Khariq Anhar, Syahdan Husein, Wawan Hermawan, Saiful Amin, Shelfin Bima Prakosa, and Muhammad ‘Paul’ Fakhrurrozi, who are facing six to 12 years’ imprisonment for simply expressing their opinions and posting on social media in support of the recent nationwide protests in Indonesia. All remain in custody of the police.

It is distressing to learn that they are among 959 people who have been arbitrarily arrested, detained, and subsequently charged with multiple offenses amid police crackdown on protests in several cities. Amnesty International found that the violent crackdown on protesters included unlawful use of force, such as physical violence and the disproportionate use of less lethal weapons, such as water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets – that left nearly a thousand people wounded.

I respectfully remind you that isolated incidents of violence by some protesters do not deprive others of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Therefore, I urge you to immediately release and drop the charges against Delpedro, Muzaffar, Khariq, Syahdan, Wawan, Saiful, Shelfin, Paul and others who were arbitrarily arrested and detained solely for protesting or supporting the protests. I urge you to end the criminalization against activists and other people who express dissent and ensure that everyone can exercise their rights to assemble peacefully.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]