National Commission on Disability Urges Comprehensive Handling in Alleged Torture Case of YTR
The National Commission on Disability (KND) has condemned the alleged violence, false imprisonment, and abuse committed by TH, 30, against YTR, 29. KND assesses that the actions experienced by the victim have exceeded the bounds of ordinary violence and fall into the category of inhuman treatment causing severe physical and mental suffering.
KND Commissioner Jonna Aman Damanik stressed that no reason can justify acts of violence against anyone. According to her, the state has a responsibility to ensure the victim receives protection, recovery, and access to justice. "No form of violence can be justified. The state must be present to ensure the victim obtains justice, recovery, and proper protection, and to ensure similar incidents do not recur," Jonna said in a statement on Tuesday (30/6).
As a result of the alleged torture lasting for years, the victim is reported to have suffered several serious conditions, including visual impairment, speech difficulties, inability to walk, and various bodily injuries. KND assesses that these conditions have the potential to cause disability in the victim.
KND stated that the acts allegedly committed by the perpetrator contravene the provisions of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS) and Law Number 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities. Both regulations guarantee every person’s right to live safely and free from torture or degrading treatment.
As one of the National Human Rights Institutions (LN-HAM), KND conveyed six official stances regarding the case. First, it strongly condemns all forms of violence, torture, false imprisonment, and inhuman treatment allegedly perpetrated against the victim for years.
Second, it urges law enforcement officials to investigate the case swiftly, professionally, transparently, and with a human rights perspective, while ensuring all facts and evidence are thoroughly uncovered so the perpetrator can be held accountable under applicable law.
Third, KND requests that the victim’s condition be handled with a disability-sensitive approach through comprehensive medical, psychological, and social assessments to identify the long-term impacts experienced by the victim.
Fourth, KND encourages the provision of comprehensive recovery services, including healthcare, medical rehabilitation, psychosocial rehabilitation, legal assistance, and social support to help restore the victim’s quality of life.
Fifth, KND reminds that women with disabilities, or women who become disabled as a result of violence, are a group vulnerable to multiple layers of discrimination. Therefore, the entire handling process must guarantee respect for the victim’s dignity, safety, and rights.
Sixth, KND requests that local governments, service agencies, and related institutions strengthen coordination to ensure support for the victim continues, both during and after the legal process. "KND will continue to monitor the development of this case and encourage the entire handling process to be carried out by prioritising the best interests of the victim," Jonna stressed.