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Death row not a solution for fighting narcotics: Kontras
The Commission of Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) joined forces with human rights NGOs to oppose the execution of six death-row convicts in Boyolali, West Java, and Nusakambangan Island, West Java, scheduled for Sunday, saying it would not solve the illegal drug problem
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he Commission of Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) joined forces with human rights NGOs to oppose the execution of six death-row convicts in Boyolali, West Java, and Nusakambangan Island, West Java, scheduled for Sunday, saying it would not solve the illegal drug problem.
'We are pessimistic that statements will be effective in stopping drug trafficking, because executing drug dealers and couriers will not be able to stop the global production of narcotics,' Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said in a press release on Saturday.
Haris deplored the recent statement made by Attorney General Prasetyo who said that the execution was aimed at upholding the law and saving the country from the ravages of drugs.
He added that Prasetyo's statement went against the global trend of phasing out death sentences and said execution would tarnish Indonesia's image and credibility as an upholder of human rights.
He said that according to chapter 28 of the amended 1945 Constitution, all citizens, including death-row convicts, had the right to live and defend their living, which was consistent with chapter 6 of the International Covenant on Civilian and Political Rights, which has been already ratified by Indonesia with passage of Law. No. 12/2005.
Haris said the execution would add to the list of inconsistent human rights policies under new president Jokowi.
An alliance of human rights organizations, including Indonesian Solidarity For Women and the Setara Institute, joined forces on Friday to oppose the execution. The plan has also sparked protests in the EU and drawn criticisms from international rights groups.
The police have increased security on Nusakambangan Island and at Boyolali Prison, where the six death-row convicts will be executed Sunday at 12 a.m. West Indonesian time.(rms)
