Kontras Aceh Urges Police to Investigate Resident's Death After Being Arrested by Police

Saiful died after being arrested by police on drug abuse charges. Saiful was allegedly assaulted by the police.

RIZKITA UNTUK KOMPAS

The victim's house in Kuta Glumpang Village, Samudera District, North Aceh Regency, Sunday (5/5/2024).

BANDA ACEH, KOMPAS — The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence or Kontras Aceh urges the police to thoroughly investigate the case of the death of a citizen after being arrested by the police on charges of drug abuse. This case has put the good name of the police institution at risk.

Kontras Aceh Coordinator Azharul Husna, contacted Monday (6/5/2024), said that this case had become a public concern in Tanah Rencong. This case reflects the face of law enforcement in Indonesia.

"The police must ensure that during the investigation process, the family is not intimidated," said Husna.

Also read: Persecuted and Extorted for IDR 50 Million, Saiful Dies After Being Arrested by Perpetrators Who Claim to Be Police

According to Husna, in this case the safety of the victim's family should be guaranteed so that they can provide testimony without any pressure and threats.

Husna added that since the alleged perpetrators of violence are police officers, Husna urges for a transparent legal process and for the police not to defend their corps.

"This investigation must be clean. We must not allow a repetition of the bad precedent in handling cases involving police officers as perpetrators," said Husna.

As a country under the rule of law, Husna stated that every citizen accused of guilty should undergo a legal process, rather than being judged outside the rules. Husna sees the victim's persecution as a form of abuse of law enforcement officials.

Also read: Investigating Case of Police Shooting Police, Police Demanded to Be Objective

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations at Aceh Regional Police, Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, said that the case is being handled by the Professional and Security Division. Joko confirmed that before he passed away, Saiful was arrested by members of the North Aceh Police on allegations of drug abuse.

"Regarding the death of a resident of North Aceh after being arrested by the North Aceh Police Narcotics Detective Unit, it is best for us to wait for the official investigation results from Paminal (Internal Security). Currently, Paminal has been sent to North Aceh," said Joko.

Don't let a bad precedent set again in handling cases involving police officers as perpetrators.

Joko conveyed that his team is committed to taking firm action in the event of any violations, whether criminal or ethical, committed by personnel while on duty.

"We will be transparent regarding this case. If the investigation results indicate unprofessionalism or mistakes in carrying out duties, it will be processed according to applicable rules," said Joko.

Joko said that when he was arrested, the police confiscated crystal methamphetamine which was stored in a cigarette box.

DOK POLDA ACEH

Head of Public Relations of the Aceh Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto

The family is trying to free Saiful. Through a colleague named Said, the victim's family received an indication that Saiful would be released if they handed over a cash payment of IDR 50 million.

Noviana, the victim's daughter, said that in the hope that her father would be released soon, they collected money and handed it over to Said to be passed on to the group that caught him. After handing over the money, Said took the victim on a motorcycle to his house. The victim arrived at the house around 10:00 PM.

"After only a short time at home, my father said that his body was all sore because he was beaten," said Noviana.

Noviana stated that when she arrived home, her father's condition was critical. There was a wound on his ear, his nose was bleeding, and he was gasping for breath. Saiful was taken to the hospital and took his last breath on Tuesday (April 30th, 2024) around 1:00 am.

Also read: Police Shoot Police, Two Police Officers Become Suspects