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Indonesia activist abused after tax fraud comments

Source
Tempo Interactive - April 9, 2010

Eko Ari Wibowo/Joniansyah, Jakarta – Indonesian NGO activist monitoring police performance reported on Friday (9/4) abuse sent at his private residence following series of telephone threats, which came after his sharp comments against the police force amid continuous legal scandals that involved the police.

Johnson Panjaitan one of Indonesia Police Watch advisor said his house had been attacked with animal manure early on Friday, prompting his wife to file report with the police.

"Maybe it was because of my statements on TV," Johnson said at the office of a local rights group, Imparsial. He further said that terror calls had came prior to the attack and that some of his neighbors said people had came seeking information about him and his residence.

Another pro-democracy group, Setara said the incident stressed the need for legal instruments to protect human rights activism. Member of the group, Hendardi said the terror should not deter human rights activists from launching thir criticism, but on the contrary should reinforce their campaign.

The National Police has been in constant tremor for the past six months due to series of crime offenses that implicated its personnel, from the assassination that involve former anti-graft boss Antasari Azhar, conspiracy against the Corruption Eradication Commission, Bank Century bail out scandal, and the latest tax fraud case, which have failed so far to topple General Bambang Hendarso Danuri.

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