Death threat and right to live

Death threat and right to live

I totally disagree when a person caught red handed for
stealing a motor-cycle is beaten to death by a mob. Once again a
pickpocket was caught stealing, immediately beaten and then
burned to death. I don't agree with this type of street justice.
I disagree also with the apparent threat to kill Tommy Soeharto
who was sentenced by the court to 18 months in jail.

All the actions above are an indication of cruelty. If a
criminal had to face death in this manner it certainly would not
be fair punishment. Tommy is guilty for his wrong doings, and, in
fact, has accepted his punishment for 18-month imprisonment, but
still he is entitled to basic human rights like everyone else.

It is true that as a convict Tommy will lose some of his
rights, e.g. he cannot take part in a sports car rally and other
activities. However, as an individual, like other members of the
society, he still has his most fundamental right as a human being
namely, the right to live, even while in prison.

I cannot understand what is behind the motive of the threat to
kill Tommy. I speak to those who are possibly involved. If you
are dissatisfied with the sentence passed by the court, why are
you targeting the guilty party and not the court as an
institution?

I appeal to the government: As far as human rights are
concerned, the government is obliged to protect its citizens,
including Tommy. Under this ruling, if one day Tommy is to
surrender himself and is ready to serve the jail sentence, the
security apparatus should be able to protect him from any death
threats. This should not be taken to mean a discriminative action
however, it is the responsibility on the part of the government
to ensure safe protection to all its citizens. Please keep in
mind that the international community has been aware of Tommy's
plight and the threat against his life. If something should
happen to Tommy, while serving his jail sentence, I fear that
Indonesia's image will plummet, both in the eyes of the
Indonesian people and the world at large.

I sincerely call on Tommy to honor the court's decision, no
matter how hard that may be and surrender yourself to the
government. Because the government surely cannot give you the
necessary protection if you remain a wanted person. Your chance
to be granted a judicial review is still available even though
you would be in prison.

HANDOKO

Jakarta