Human Rights Minister Pigai Criticises Amien Rais' Statement: Suspected Human Rights Violation

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has commented on the statement by Amien Rais, Chairman of the Majelis Syura of Partai Ummat, concerning President Prabowo Subianto and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. According to Pigai, Amien Rais’ statement constitutes a human rights violation.

“Mr Amien Rais’ statement does not automatically fall under freedom of expression. In the context of human rights, Mr Amien is suspected of committing a human rights violation,” said Pigai, quoted from detikNews on Monday (4/5/2026).

Pigai then highlighted several aspects related to Amien Rais’ remarks. First, inhuman treatment, namely verbal actions that intentionally cause severe non-physical mental attacks on certain parties.

Second, inhuman degrading, which is seen as demeaning the dignity of Prabowo and Teddy. In addition, Pigai pointed out the element of verbal torture or verbal violence in the statement.

“Inhuman degrading demeans the dignity of Mr Prabowo and Lt Col Teddy. Verbal torture is verbal violence,” he stated.

Amien Rais’ statement is also considered to contain verbal humiliation, a form of bullying or verbal harassment that uses words to demean, humiliate, intimidate, or emotionally and psychologically hurt someone.

“Verbal humiliation or bullying/verbal harassment that uses words to demean, humiliate, intimidate, or hurt someone emotionally and psychologically,” he said.

Pigai emphasised that freedom of speech has boundaries that must be respected by every citizen. He also reminded Amien Rais not to use that freedom as a shield to attack the dignity of others.

“I ask Mr Amien not to hide behind freedom of speech because there are limits,” he asserted firmly.

As is known, the public was previously stirred by a video uploaded by Amien Rais on his YouTube channel regarding Prabowo and Teddy Indra Wijaya. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid described the video uploaded by Amien Rais as character assassination and slander.