Isak Sattu Free Sentence In Case Of Human Rights Violation Paniai, Amnesty International The Investigation Value Needs To Be Opened Again

Executive Director of the Indonesian International Amensty Institute Usman Hamid after monitoring the inaugural trial of the alleged gross human rights violation case in Paniai/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia Usman Hamid assessed that the investigation into the tragedy of serious human rights violations (HAM) in Paniai needed to be reopened after the human rights court's decision acquitted the defendant Major Inf. (Ret.) TNI Isak Sattu. Although the defendant who committed gross human rights violations of Paniai was acquitted, the panel of judges in its decision assessed that the killings committed by members of the military against civilians in Paniai were a systematic attack, including crimes against humanity. "Because the court recognizes that there has been a crime against humanity, but without the perpetrators, the state must immediately reopen the Paniai tragedy investigation so that all perpetrators are investigated immediately, effectively, thoroughly, impartially. And if there is sufficient evidence, try in a fair trial before a competent and fair court, "said Usman Hamidaat confirmed in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, December 9. He also considered that the release of Isak Sattu was a reminder to all parties that the soldiers who were criminally responsible for the shooting in the atrocities in Paniai were still at large. Furthermore, he said the decision regarding the current Paniai tragedy could be likened to a slap to the victim and the families of the shooting victims, even for victims of other gross human rights violations in Indonesia who for years demanded justice. Therefore, said Usman, the problem must be resolved so that there is no impunity or situation that cannot be punished which makes justice unsustainable. "Justice will never be upright if the impunity is maintained," he added. Previously, Isak Sattu was acquitted in court in Makassar, South Sulawesi, last Thursday. The panel of judges read out the 100-page verdict with in turn considerations. In that decision, there was a difference of opinion between two of the five judges who tried the case. The two judges who have different opinions saw the responsibility of the command or it could be proven that the defendant was responsible for the incident of gross human rights violations in Paniai.