Violence against Journalist; AJI Demands Police to Copy TNI
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Senin, 30 September 2019 07:14 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Independent Journalist Alliance or AJI Indonesia demanded the National Police follow the Military Forces (TNI) in taking responsibility for the violent acts against journalists committed by their members.
AJI advocacy head Sasmito Madrim explained a TNI member who conducted violence against a journalist in Medan was sentenced to six months in jail.
“Even though the punishment is light, we appreciate it as long as there is a sanction,” said Sarmito in HI Roundabout, Central Jakarta, Sunday, September 29.
Unlike the police, Sasmito went on, they did not resolve the case. National Police members who committed violence against journalists were never sanctioned with fines, suspension, or confinement.
“We hope the police who are violent can be tried in court.”
Based on AJI data, there were at least 14 cases of violence against journalists during a wave of students demonstration in several regions against the Criminal Code draft bill or RKUHP and the amended KPK Law. The press were physically and verbally abused by police officers.
Moreover, Sasmito asked media companies whose journalists fell victim to making a report on the alleged violence. "Media companies must also be active," he said.
ANDITA RAHMA
