Bali Journalists Solidarity Holds Action Demanding Disclosure Of Cases Of Persecution Of Journalists

DENPASAR - Bali Journalists Solidarity held a peaceful protest at the Bali High Court. They demanded the disclosure of the persecution case against Tempo journalists in Surabaya, East Java.

The journalists asked the East Java Police to work professionally in revealing the other perpetrators involved in the persecution of Tempo journalist Nurhadi.

"First, to urge the East Java Police to arrest other perpetrators, including the masterminds of the perpetrators, in the case of a press offense and mistreatment of journalist Nurhadi," said Bali Journalists Solidarity Action Field Coordinator I Wayan Widyantara, Wednesday, December 1.

The second demand is to encourage the prosecutor to file a maximum charge of two defendants regarding the persecution of journalists. The solidarity of journalists also encourages the panel of judges who preside over the trial to order investigators to conduct an examination of other actors involved in the case of violence against journalist Nurhadi.

Furthermore, the fourth urged the panel of judges to impose a maximum sentence on the two defendants, because the actions of the defendants indicated the deprivation of press freedom and violations of human rights owned by journalist Nurhadi.

"Fifth, invite journalists and the public to participate in guarding this case for the realization of press freedom in Indonesia and a clean trial for journalist Nurhadi," he added.

Then, the sixth is to encourage law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to enforce press offenses and the Criminal Code in layers for every case of violence against journalists.

"And finally to remind all elements of the press to always hold fast to the journalistic code of ethics, including the aspect of professionalism in carrying out journalistic duties," he said.

Meanwhile, Bali Attorney General's Office Intelligence Coordinator Agung Bagus Kade Kusimantara said the journalists' aspirations would be submitted to the Attorney General's Office for attention.

“This is an illustration for us in the future what the wishes of these journalists will be accommodated. We will continue with this aspiration, today we will convey it to our leaders in the Attorney General's Office so that what is the aspiration, study and become a milestone for journalists who are experiencing the same thing," he said.

For information, two police officers who are suspects in the persecution have already been tried at the Surabaya District Court. In his indictment, the East Java Public Prosecutor (JPU) Winarko charged the two police officers with Article 18 paragraph (1) of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. In addition, both of them were also charged with assault.