Yuni Rohmawati, Jakarta – The director of Imparsial Gufron Mabruri said that the acquittal of Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti is a small win for the fight for human rights in Indonesia. Both activists were sued over alleged defamation against the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

"For civilians, especially human rights activists, the acquittal of Haris and Fatia provides a small win in the fight for human rights, especially in Papua," said Gufron to Tempo on Monday.

According to Gufron, the acquittal by the East Jakarta District Court on Monday was appropriate, since Haris and Fatia only did what is considered a social control protected by the state.Haris Azhar was previously charged with 4 years in prison, while Fatia with 3 years and 6 months. Haris is the founder of Lokataru Foundation, while Fatia is the coordinator for the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence or KontraS.

Both were sued over their YouTube video of Haris and Fatia discussing the report entitled 'Economy-Politics of Military Deployment in Papua: Intan Jaya case'

The report was made by Clean Indonesia Coalition over the business practices in the Wabu Block, Papua. Luhut claimed Haris and Fatia gave out unilateral statements and demeaned him over the phrase 'Lord' Luhut.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1818930/haris-fatia-acquittal-a-small-win-for-human-rights-imparsial-say