Coordinating Minister Yusril asks Iran to submit a list of prisoners to be repatriated

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Imipas Yusril Ihza Mahendra asked the Iranian government to submit a list of names of Iranian citizens who are serving sentences in Indonesia to be considered for repatriation.

When receiving a visit from the Iranian government in Jakarta, Yusril said the Indonesian government would conduct an analysis on a case-by-case basis in a relatively short time.

"We are open to discussing repatriation so that they can serve their sentences in their country, as has been done with several other countries," said Yusril as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, February 12.

Yusril revealed that there were 54 Iranian citizens who were caught up in legal cases in Indonesia, including 12 people who were sentenced to death and a number of others were serving life sentences.

Although some were sentenced to death, he emphasized that the current Indonesian government policy does not carry out executions of death penalty and opens the door to the repatriation of convicts.

During the meeting, the two also discussed human rights (HAM) issues in international forums. The Coordinating Minister emphasized that Indonesia's position as President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) would be carried out independently and impartially.

He also expressed appreciation for Iran's support for Indonesia's leadership in international human rights forums.

"Indonesia's position as Chair of the Human Rights Council is a heavy responsibility. We will carry it out independently, without pressure from any country," he said.

He reminded Indonesia of its long experience in dealing with international pressure related to human rights and terrorism issues.

However, through diplomacy and legal reforms in the country, he continued, Indonesia was able to strengthen its position at the global level.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court of Iran, Nasser Seraj, expressed appreciation for the Indonesian government's welcome and Indonesia's support at the UN Human Rights Council.

He also hopes that the legal cooperation of the two countries, especially in the field of extradition and mutual legal assistance, can be expanded, including in the realm of civil law.

Closing the meeting, both parties agreed to continue to strengthen dialogue, including opening opportunities for academic cooperation in the field of law.

Nasser also extended an invitation to Coordinating Minister Yusril to visit Iran in order to strengthen institutional relations and exchange experiences in the fields of justice and human rights.

The meeting, which lasted almost an hour, reflected the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Iran, which continue to be maintained through open dialogue, while respecting the principles of sovereignty and independence of each country's legal system.

Meanwhile, Nasser attended the meeting accompanied by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi.