Press Statement
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 5, 2004

Indonesia: Arrests and Treatment of Activists in Aceh

The United States is deeply concerned by the recent arrests of non-violent Acehnese activists. This is the latest in a series of actions apparently intended to intimidate independent observers who would be in a position to monitor and report on serious human rights abuses in Aceh.

We are also concerned about reports that Muhammad Nazar, head of the Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) was beaten during a February 19 interrogation at police headquarters. Since then, both his wife and his lawyer have been denied access to Nazar.

The United States supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia. However, we continue to believe that the Aceh conflict is not amenable to solution by use of military force, including the imposition of martial law. We continue to urge the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement to respect the human rights of all Acehnese civilians.

We urge the Indonesian government to handle cases involving civil society activists with the utmost respect for their legal rights. All segments of Aceh civil society that support peaceful resolution of the conflict must form part of a political process to seek a lasting peace.

2004/235


Source: U.S. Department of State