DPR Human Rights Commission Says the Kidnapping of 4 Indonesian Journalists by Israel Violates International Law
Member of Commission XIII of the DPR, Fauqi Hapidekso, condemned the actions of the Israeli army which arrested four Indonesian journalists by the Israeli army crashing international law. He emphasized that Israel's unilateral military action is a real violation of human rights (HAM) and international law.
The four journalists are Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai from Republika, Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo TV, and Rahendro Heru Bowo from Inews. They were intercepted while covering the international humanitarian mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
"We strongly condemn the arrest of journalists from Indonesia by the Israeli army. They are on a humanitarian mission, not a military activity or an act that threatens security. This arrest is a form of human rights violation and cannot be justified," Fauqi told reporters, Tuesday, May 19.
The member of the commission dealing with Human Rights (HAM) also urged the Indonesian Government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to immediately lodge a formal condemnation and take immediate diplomatic steps to free the two Indonesian citizens (WNI).
According to Fauqi, the state must respond quickly and proportionately considering that the safety of journalists' lives in conflict areas is at stake.
"We ask the Indonesian Government to make diplomatic efforts for the release and deliver an official condemnation of Israel's arrest of Indonesian citizens who are carrying out humanitarian missions," said the legislator from the Central Java Dapil.
Fauqi said that this arrest had injured universal humanitarian values. Based on international law, he said, journalists in conflict areas have immunity and full protection rights that must be respected by any country's military.
"At least two international laws have been hit by Israel. First, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights which guarantees the right of individuals to seek, receive, and convey information without intervention. Second, the 1977 Geneva Convention which affirms that journalists in conflict areas are protected by law and should not be targets of arrest or physical violence," he said.
Fauqi also asked the government to continue to monitor and ensure the physical and psychological conditions of the four Indonesian journalists are safe during their detention in Israel. Thus, the four journalists can return home safely.
"We hope that the Indonesian government ensures that Bambang, Thoudy, Andre and Rahendro can return to their homeland safely and without injury. A quick, clear, and measured step is necessary to protect the safety of Indonesian citizens," he concluded.