Human Rights Activists Investigated Over Defamation Report by Minister

Two human rights activists were summoned by the police in relation to defamation report filed by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

A number of police officers visited the residences of Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti on Tuesday morning, January 18, to take the two to the headquarters of Jakarta Metro Police for investigation. However, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) activists refused to be taken.

“This morning, Fatia and Haris were visited by four to five police officers in their respective residence to be taken to Jakarta Metro Police. They refused and decided to come by themselves this afternoon,” deputy for coordinator for strategy and mobilization at KontraS Rivanlee Anandar,” told the press.

Meanwhile, director of special criminal investigation of Jakarta Metro Police, Pol. Grand Commissioner Auliansyah Lubis said all process is in accordance to the standard operating procedures, and the case has been upgraded to investigation as mediation effort failed.

Previously in September Pandjaitan filed a defamation lawsuit against Azhar and Maulidiyanti after the activists said in a video that the Coordinating Minister had a part in mining business in Intan Jaya, Papua .

Prior to the police report, Pandjaitan demanded apology from the two activists, but as it wasn’t met, he proceeded with legal complaint.

Azhar said he’s ready to face the hearing because he already has sufficient evidence related to Pandjaitan’s involvement in mining business in Wabu Block, Papua.