Help free environmental activists in Indonesia31 January 2013
Three people, including the director of WALHI South Sumatra, remain in detention.
Arrested during a demonstration in Palembang, South Sumatra on 29 January, Anwar Sadat, the Executive Director of WALHI, and Dede Chaniago, a staff member of WALHI South Sumatra are charged with committing acts of violence to property and people.
If convicted they could face between six months and six years in detention.
Another man, Kamaludin, has been charged with assault, apparently after intervening to protect Anwar Sadat who was beaten at the time of his arrest. If convicted Kamaludin could face a sentence of up to two years and eight months.
Take action now to help secure their release.
Anwar Sadat is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. A number of other protestors were also beaten.
23 other local farmers and environmental activists arrested during the demonstration have now been released. Demonstrators were protesting at the involvement of the police and military in a local land dispute and calling for the removal of a local police officer, alleged to be responsible for the death of a child and other violence against the local community.
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Write to the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Please also send letters calling for the release of Anwar Sadat, Dede Chaniago and Kamaludin to the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom. A suggested text for your letters is included here:
His Excellency Teuku Mohammed Hamzah Thayeb
Ambassadorof the Republic of Indonesia
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
38 Grosvenor Square
London W1K 2HW
Your Excellency,
I am very concerned at the arrest and ongoing detention of Anwar Sadat, Executive Director of WALHI South Sumatra, Dede Chaniago, a staff member of WALHI South Sumatra and another man, Kamaludin who were arrested during a demonstration in Palembang, South Sumatra on 29 January 2013.
Moreover, I am very concerned at the reports that Anwar Sadat was beaten at the time of his arrest, including on the head.
I hope that the Indonesian authorities will immediately and unconditionally release the three men and promptly and impartially investigate the circumstances leading up to the demonstration in Palembang. I hope also that allegations that the security forces used excessive force in their policing of the demonstration and that any member of the security forces found to have used excessive force or to have committed other human rights violations to be brought to justice.
Yours sincerely,
© WALHI South Sumatra
