Andrie Yunus is a vocal critic the Indonesian military’s expanding role in government
Indonesian authorities have detained four soldiers for their alleged role in an acid attack on an activist who criticised the military’s influence in government, officials said.
Andrie Yunus from KontraS, a prominent rights group that investigates forced disappearances, suffered burns to more than 20% of his body after two men on a scooter splashed him with acid last week.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said he was “deeply concerned” with the attack while KontraS said it was an “attempt to silence critical voices”.
The motive for the attack is being investigated, military police commander Yusri Nuryanto said. The four soldiers are from the intelligence unit, he added.
Indonesia detains four soldiers over acid attack on activist
5
Andrie Yunus from KontraS, a prominent rights group that investigates forced disappearances, suffered burns to more than 20% of his body after two men on a scooter splashed him with acid last week.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said he was “deeply concerned” with the attack while KontraS said it was an “attempt to silence critical voices”.
The motive for the attack is being investigated, military police commander Yusri Nuryanto said. The four soldiers are from the intelligence unit, he added.
Andrie was taken to a hospital in Jakarta after the attack, where an examination revealed burns to parts of his body, including his hands, face, chest and eyes, KontraS said in a statement.
He was riding his motorcycle at the time after recording a podcast about the military’s growing role in politics, the group said.
The acid attack unleashed a new wave of concern. Over the weekend, protesters gathered in parts of the country to show their support.
Translate This Article
