ASIATODAY.ID, GENEVA – United Nations human rights experts have expressed deep concern over Indonesia’s decision to try military personnel in a military court over the acid attack against Indonesian human rights defender Andrie Yunus, urging authorities to transfer the case to the civilian justice system to ensure transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny.
In a statement issued on June 3, 2026, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Andrea Bolaños Vargas and UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan criticized the use of military court proceedings in a case involving a violent attack against a civilian.
“The use of a military trial in a case involving an extreme and targeted acid attack on a civilian raises serious concern regarding accountability, independence and transparency,” said Andrea Bolaños Vargas and Irene Khan.
According to the UN experts, Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid on March 12, 2026, in Central Jakarta shortly after recording a podcast discussing the militarization of civil and political affairs in Indonesia.
The assault resulted in severe and permanent injuries requiring long-term medical treatment, including burns affecting his eyes, skin, and joints.
Four members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) were subsequently detained, charged, and have been standing trial before Military Court II-08 Jakarta since April 29, 2026.
Andrea Bolaños Vargas and Irene Khan warned that handling the case through the military justice system could reinforce longstanding concerns over impunity and weak accountability mechanisms.
“The processing of this case through the military justice system risks perpetuating longstanding patterns of impunity and fragmented accountability in Indonesia’s dual justice system, particularly in cases involving alleged human rights violations by military personnel,” the two UN experts said.
They further noted that military courts in Indonesia have historically limited public access and lacked effective mechanisms to ensure accountability for senior officials.
The experts also raised concerns about the charges brought against the defendants, arguing that the current legal classification fails to reflect the gravity of the attack.
“The decision to issue the defendants with a lesser charge of ‘premeditated aggravated assault’ does not adequately account for the severity and impact of this life-threatening attack. The framing of the crime as a ‘personal vendetta’ obscures the identification of the intellectual authors behind this premeditated attack and dilutes institutional responsibility,” said Andrea Bolaños Vargas and Irene Khan.
The UN experts called on Indonesian authorities to investigate and prosecute the attack through the civilian justice system in accordance with international human rights standards.
They stressed that a civilian trial would help guarantee impartiality, transparency, and public oversight while strengthening confidence in the rule of law.
In addition, Andrea Bolaños Vargas and Irene Khan urged the Indonesian Government to ensure Andrie Yunus’ safety and continued access to specialized medical treatment as he recovers from the attack.
The experts confirmed that they remain in contact with the Government of Indonesia regarding developments in the case. (AT Network)
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