KNews.id- Amnesty International Indonesia assesses that the prohibition of activities, the use of symbols and attributes and the termination of activities of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) social organization will further erode civil liberties to express opinions or expression.
“This decision has the potential to discriminate and violate the right to association and expression, thus further eroding civil liberties in Indonesia,” said Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid in a written statement on Wednesday (30/12).
Usman said this could happen because of the Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2/2017 accepted by the DPR RI as a new law. However, this decision has previously been regretted because it significantly cut back the legal procedure for the prohibition and dissolution of mass organizations, by removing the mechanism for warning and court hearings.
“This law is problematic and must be changed. According to international law an organization can only be banned or dissolved after a decision by an independent and neutral court has been made, ”he explained.
Therefore, Usman asked the government not to make unilateral decisions. Prioritize a legal and judicial approach. For example, the legal process of FPI officials or members who are suspected of being involved in criminal acts, including hate speech and incitement to violence based on religion, race, national origin or gender minorities. It is the state’s obligation.
“It is understandable that there are elements of society who oppose intolerance based on religious hatred, race or national origin which are often shown by FPI management and members,” he explained.
However, continued Usman, all parties must realize that the law that protects an organization from arbitrary actions by the state is the same law that protects human rights.
“What needs to be improved is the mechanism. Amnesty advises the government to create a more equitable mechanism in accordance with international legal standards, including the prohibition and dissolution of an organization through an impartial court, “he concluded. (AHM)
