Our friends from Friends of the Earth Indonesia are free30 July 2013
Our friends and colleagues from Friends of the Earth Indonesia (WALHI) are now free.
In January 2013, police arrested Anwar Sadat, the Executive Director of WALHI South Sumatra, and Dede Chaniago, his colleague during a demonstration.
Court proceedings
Police also arrested around 20 other demonstrators but they were released uncharged. All were calling for an end to police and military abuses against a local community.
Anwar Sadat and Dede Chaniago risked up to six years in detention after being charged with committing acts of violence against people and property.
A court sentenced the two men to seven months in jail. They appealed and are now free after a court reduced their sentences in July.
International solidarity
This is fantastic news and a huge relief for everyone at Friends of the Earth Indonesia (WALHI).
Over 10,000 people across the world signed a petition calling for their release. Friends of the Earth supporters also sent appeals for their release to the Government of Indonesia.
Thank you for your support and for taking action with us. The pressure really worked.
Police charged another man, Kamaludin, with assault, apparently after he tried to protect Anwar Sadat as police beat him. We are trying to find out if he is free too and will keep you updated.
© WALHI
