Human Rights Watchdog Advises Against Death Penalty

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) reminded law enforcers to be vigilant before deciding to implement the death penalty as it would draw the attention of the international community.

"The United Nations can put us under the spotlight because Indonesia is still considered a country that implements capital punishment," said Beka Ulung Hapsara, member of the Komnas HAM, on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Beka reminded the government to tread carefully on topics that are closely related to human rights as there is a moratorium on the death penalty in Indonesia as reported by Antaranews.

Beka's statement was made as a response to the heinous crime committed by Herry Wirawan, an owner and teacher of two Bandung Islamic boarding schools, who molested and raped 13 of his students, some of which had even bear children.

Another aspect that should be considered according to Beka is that the majority of countries in the world no longer implements the death penalty in their state punishment system and that Indonesia has ratified the United Nations (UN) Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.

"Which means, this ratification must also be considered by each and every law enforcement officers, officials, and policy-makers," said the Komnas HAM member. 

ANTARA