Twee Indonesische vissers vast na protest tegen illegale houtkap

To: Yuliarni Appy, S.H.,M.H. Head of Langkat Regency Prosecutor’s Office Dear Prosecutor, I am writing to express my concern for Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik, two fishermen from Kwala Langkat Village who currently stand trial after their efforts to save their coastal village from drowning. Together with the locals, the two fishermen have been vocal in protesting the encroachment of a protected mangrove forest in their village by a private entity, fearing that it would lead to coastal erosion that endangers the village’s existence. On 15 July 2024, the prosecutors indicted Ilham and Taufik for allegedly participating in group violence and property damage during a protest on 21 March 2024, which involved the damaging of a makeshift hut in the forest. While Taufik has been released from pre-trial detention since 4 July, Ilham remains in the prosecutor's office detention. They risk up to five and a half years in prison. I urge you to: • Ensure that Ilham and Taufik's fair trial rights are guaranteed in accordance with international standard. Excessively harsh charges should be avoided, especially in view of the limited damage caused, and prosecution should be based on evidence establishing the reasonable suspicion of the involvement of Ilham and Taufik in the damaging of the makeshift hut; • Comply with the presumption of innocence by releasing Ilham during the course of the trial unless there is a real risk of flight, harm or interference with evidence or investigation; • Ensure that all human rights defenders and their families, including Kwala Langkat community, can carry out their protests peacefully without fear of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention or imprisonment. Thank you for your attention. Yours sincerely, [lastname] [city] The Netherlands