Terrorism bill 'needs revision'

Terrorism bill 'needs revision'

JAKARTA: The bill on the prevention and eradication of
terrorism needs to be reviewed because it contains blurred
definitions, prioritizes the supremacy of power and encourages
Machiavellian maneuverings, according to an official from the
Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

FPI chairman Al Habib Muhammad Rizieq Shihab said during a
seminar that the bill defined terrorism as an act committed by an
individual or a group that disregards the national apparatus or
government. He said the bill should cover all types of terrorist
acts.

The draft, he said, focused only on physical violence and did
not include psychological and biological terrorism. According to
him, the bill does not clearly differentiate between terrorism
and violence caused by social protest and psychological unrest.

Rizieq said the bill also prioritized power, security and
order instead of the supremacy of the law and human rights.

He said the draft would give judges, prosecutors and
investigators unfair access to suspects' financial information.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Human Right Yusril Ihza
Mahendra said the terrorism bill was not drafted because of
pressure from any particular country, ideology or religion.

"The bill is aimed at preparing the country to face the era of
globalization, which makes countries borderless and open to
people from many countries." -- Antara