AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
AI Index: ASA 21/023/2010
13 September 2010
INDONESIA: Authorities must hold inquiry into death of Maluku political activist
The Indonesian government must immediately initiate an independent, effective,
and impartial inquiry into allegations that Yusuf Sapakoly was consistently
denied access to adequate medical care in Nania prison, Ambon, which may
have contributed to his death today. Moreover, the family has the right to insist
that a medical or other qualified representative be present at the autopsy and
its findings must be made public.
According to local sources, Yusuf Sapakoly, aged 52 and a father of four, was denied
medical treatment by the Nania prison authorities for kidney failure which required
dialysis. He had also made complaints that he did not receive adequate treatment for
rib injuries he had received during his detention. On 7 September 2010, prison authorities
released him into the care of his family.
Amnesty International believes that such denial of urgently needed medical care
amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The treatment of Yusuf Sapakoly
violates Indonesia’s obligations under international human rights law as well as in
Indonesian law.
Yusuf Sapakoly, was arrested on 29 June 2007 for assisting a group of peaceful
political activists in Maluku province who unfurled the “Benang Raja” flag, a symbol
of South Maluku independence, while performing a traditional “Cakalele” dance in front
of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The police then reportedly tortured him
in detention. He was subsequently charged with “rebellion” under Articles 106 and
110 of the Indonesia Criminal Code and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Public Document
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