Jakarta – A group of non-governmental organizations has asked Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono to revise a statement telling retired military generals not to attend questioning sessions by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) over rights abuse investigations.

The nine NGOs, including Kontras, Imparsial and Human Rights Work Group Coalition, said Juwono's statement could be interpreted as an attempt to obstruct justice. "Juwono does not have the authority as a defense minister to make such a statement," Usman Hamid of Kontras said Tuesday.

The group also asked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to take strict action against Juwono over the issue. "We hope that Komnas HAM will keep on investigating cases involving retired military generals despite the illegal appeal from the minister," Usman said.

Two weeks ago, Juwono said Komnas HAM did not have the authority to ask military generals to appear for questioning.