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ETAN urges justice for Munir on 12th anniversary of assassination
East Timor and Indonesia Action Network Statement - September 7, 2016
The group wrote "that resolving the case is important to consolidating Indonesia's democracy."
Munir was poisoned on a flight to Amsterdam and evidence strongly points to the involvement of senior officials of the State Intelligence Agency, known as BIN.
While a few low-level participants in the murder have been tried and convicted, high-level officials have yet to be brought to justice for their involvement in Munir's assassination. Muchdi Purwoprandjono, the chair of BIN at the time, was found not guilty in 2008 due to lack of evidence amidst allegations of the intimidation of witnesses. A.M. Hendropriyono, a former general and vice chair of BIN who allegedly headed meetings discussing Munir's murder, has yet to be indicted for his role in Munir's death.
ETAN continues to call on President Joko Widodo to fully investigate the murder and hold all of those accountable for their roles in Munir's assassination.
Recent appointments raise doubts about President Widodo's seriousness about pursuing justice for past human rights violations.
Hendropriyono was also involved in the 1989 Talangsari Massacre and the 1999 terror campaign in Timor-Leste. He served as an advisor to President Widodo's transition team in 2014. He was recently appointed chair of the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI).
Former general Wiranto, indicted in Timor-Leste for his role in government-sanctioned violence during the vote for independence overseen by the UN, was recently appointed as Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.
For more on the Munir's murder see ETAN's backgrounder here: http://etan.org/factsheets/munir.htm
Letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
United States
Department of State
2201 C Street,
NW
Washington, DC
20520
via website
7 September 2016
Dear Secretary Kerry,
After 12 years, we remain disappointed that all of those responsible for the murder of Indonesian human rights activist Munir Said Thalib have not yet been brought to justice.
We continue to call on the Indonesian government to hold accountable those responsible for Munir's death. His murder was clearly directed by officials from Indonesia's intelligence agency, BIN.
Two years ago, on the 10th anniversary of Munir's murder you acknowledged that "Still today, justice has not been served. Full accountability for all those allegedly involved remains elusive.".
Two years later little has changed.
Although Pollycarpus Priyanto was convicted and served time for the murder, government officials have not been held accountable for their alleged roles in the crime. Evidence found by the official fact-finding team credibly points to the role of intelligence officials in the assassination.
We know you agree that resolving the case is important to consolidating Indonesia's democracy.
Instead officials credibly alleged to have engaged in serious violations of human rights, including Munir's killing, continue to be appointed to high offices and serve in key positions. These appointments raise questions about President Widodo's seriousness in pursuing justice for past human rights violations.
Recently, President Widodo appointed former general Wiranto, indicted in Timor-Leste for his role in official violence surrounding UN-organized independence vote in 1999, as Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.
A.M. Hendropriyono, former vice chair of the state intelligence agency BIN, allegedly chaired meetings planning Munir's murder. Hendropriyono was also involved in the 1989 Talangsari Massacre and the 1999 terror campaign in Timor-Leste. He served as an advisor to President Widodo's transition team in 2014. He recently became chair of the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI).
President Joko Widodo campaigned on resolving past human rights cases, including Munir's. We urge you to join us and human rights advocates in Indonesia and elsewhere in pressing President Widodo to fully investigate Munir's murder and hold accountable all those responsible for his death.
Secretary Kerry, you stated on August 15 in advance of Indonesian Independence Day, "The relationship between the United States and Indonesia will continue to advance and stand as an example of what can be accomplished when two nations pursue a common vision together." The common vision of respect for the rule of law and human rights can only happen if the U.S. puts pressure on President Widodo's government to ensure government officials are held accountable for past human rights abuses.
Yours sincerely,
John M. Miller
National Coordinator,
East Timor and Indonesia Action Network
john@etan.org;
917-690-4391
Source: http://www.etan.org/news/2016/09munir.htm .
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