Komnas HAM Urges Polda DIY to Free Protesters Lacking Evidence

Komnas HAM urged Polda DIY to immediately release protest participants in Yogyakarta who are not proven to have been involved in violence or criminal acts. The agency also demanded that the questioning process be objective, follow procedures and guarantee access to legal counsel. In a meeting at the Polda DIY headquarters on Wednesday, Komnas HAM Deputy Chair for External Affairs Putu Elvina said police must also open communication access and provide clear information to families about the whereabouts and condition of participants still under questioning. Komnas HAM said some of the participants were still injured and needed medical treatment. Separately, Commission III member of the House of Representatives Mercy Chriesty Barends said freedom of expression is a constitutional right and authorities must not use law enforcement as a tool to silence criticism.