Suspected Chicken Thief Beaten to Death in Bali, Human Rights Ministry Ensures Perpetrators Will Be Prosecuted

The Ministry of Human Rights has strongly condemned a vigilante attack that led to the death of a man suspected of stealing chickens in Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. The ministry asserted that the action constitutes a violation of the law and human rights, and it has urged law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the perpetrators. Coordinator of the Ministry of Human Rights for the Bali Working Region, Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Dalem, expressed his condolences over the death of the victim in the alleged assault that occurred on Sunday. He stated that every citizen is entitled to legal protection and treatment that respects human rights, making any form of vigilante action unjustifiable. ‘We extend our condolences for this incident. We hope the victim’s child and family receive proper assistance and protection. We strongly condemn vigilante actions. At the same time, we also urge that the legal process be carried out professionally, transparently, and accountably to provide legal certainty and a sense of justice for all parties,’ Dalem said in a statement on Monday. The Ministry of Human Rights believes that the handling of any alleged criminal act must be fully entrusted to law enforcement officials in accordance with statutory regulations. Violent actions carried out by the public not only violate the law but also cause serious psychological impacts, especially for the victim’s child who reportedly witnessed the incident directly. Therefore, the ministry is pushing for the child and the victim’s family to receive psychological assistance, protection, and the optimal fulfilment of their rights. Dalem stated that the Ministry of Human Rights, through the Bali Working Region, will immediately conduct field monitoring and coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure the case is handled in accordance with human rights principles. ‘We will conduct field monitoring and coordinate with the police, local government, and other relevant parties to ensure the case handling process is accountable, transparent, and continues to respect the rights of every party involved,’ he said. According to Dalem, this coordination is part of efforts to ensure law enforcement is carried out professionally while guaranteeing the protection of the rights of the victim and his family. The Ministry of Human Rights also appealed to the public not to commit acts of violence or take the law into their own hands in resolving legal issues. The public is urged to prioritise the applicable legal mechanisms so that every case can be processed fairly and provide legal certainty for all parties.