Facts Behind Natalius Pigai's Rejection of a Shoot-to-Kill Policy for Robbers

Bandung — Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has rejected the idea of shooting criminals on sight, a proposal reportedly raised by the Lampung Regional Police Chief. Pigai said such extrajudicial killings run counter to basic human rights principles and international law, and could expose security personnel to legal consequences.

‘There is no room for it. I do not permit people to be shot without going through the proper procedures and lawful processes. A mugger should not be shot dead on the spot,’ Pigai said in Bandung on Thursday, 21 May.

He explained there are two main reasons why suspects should be arrested alive: first, to protect the right to life; second, because suspects are a vital source of data, facts and information that investigators can use to uncover motives and identify those responsible.

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