Dreaded cuts

Working for Amnesty you often come across things which turn your stomach, but I found news about the graphic video showing the torture of Papuan villagers- apparently by military personnel- intensely difficult to watch.

The footage was uploaded on the website of the Asian Human Rights Commission and makes for very uncomfortable viewing. The latter part shows a man being tortured at knife point, with a blade across his lips and throat and in one case the burning of genitals. The Asian Human Rights Commission decided not to show the full-length video as it was considered too disturbing.

Amnesty is calling for an urgent, independent investigation and is urging the Indonesian government to appoint the National Human Rights Commission to lead it. 

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, Amnesty receives regular reports of torture by members of the security forces in Indonesia; the lack of independent investigation is commonplace, and those responsible are rarely brought to account before an independent court.  

As a state party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), Indonesia is legally bound to prohibit torture and other ill-treatment in all circumstances. Yet despite these obligations, reports of torture persist. Another recent police video obtained by human rights groups showed a Papuan political activist, with severe abdominal injuries, receiving no assistance from police officials just before his death. 

You can take action on behalf of Johan Teterissa a primary school teacher serving a 15-year sentence for leading a peaceful protest. During his arrest, and the first few weeks of detention, Johan Teterissa was tortured by police and despite being seriously injured, has never received adequate medical treatment and is now in constant pain.