Activists protest team for Munir

JAKARTA: A group of rights activists lamented on Tuesday the government-sanctioned fact-finding team that will probe the death of rights campaigner Munir, which they claim was powerless.

They insisted that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono approve the establishment of a supervisory team under noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, Muhammadyah chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarief and a high ranking police officer, and drop forensic expert Mun'im Idries from the team.

"Presidential Regulation No. 111/2004 limits our role to carrying out an investigation for litigation purposes in the presence of a supervisory team. The decree goes against an initial commitment reached between us and the police," said Asmara Nababan, who was appointed as deputy chairman of the government-sanctioned team.

Present during the press conference were other appointed team members, including Smitha Notosusanto and Usman Hamid. -- JP.