TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) Indonesia said in its press release Tuesday, May 31, 2016 that it regrets and condemns the decision of Penang Court, Malaysia, today, on the case of Indonesian migrant worker Rita Krisdianti who is sentenced to death because she was charged as a drug smuggler.
Rita is accused as one of the networks of narcotics mafia. She was caught by Malaysia airport officials who found a 4kg methamphetamine in her bag.
Based on the press release, Rita has some witnesses in Macau that said that Rita did not realize that her bag was contained with methamphetamine on her way back from India to Malaysia for a business. After her contract as a maid in Hong Kong had expired, Rita was offered by a friend a job that has made her went to New Delhi, India, to take the deposit bag. Rita thought she was only bringing Saris (Indian traditional clothes); her friend had prohibited her to open the bag.
The HRWG calls on the Malaysian Government its relevant authorities to immediately consider the case and to review the decision with a fair legal process and ensure that Rita has a special attention due to her innocence. The organization also encourages the Indonesia Government to take strategic actions, especially to assist Rita to get legal assistances who is expert in human rights.
Currently, there are 281 Indonesians who have either been sentenced to death or might be given a death sentence abroad, HRWG said. The largest number of Indonesian migrant workers facing the death penalty abroad is located in Malaysia. As many as 212 Indonesians are presently undergoing trial, and 73 have already been sentenced.
The HRWG viewed the death penalty is the ultimate denial of the right to life, a violation of fundamental human rights.
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