Yusril calls for increased patrols and public education to prevent vigilante justice

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra has asked the regional police to increase patrols in order to prevent mob justice against suspected criminals.

“I am asking the police, particularly the Bangka Belitung Regional Police (Polda Kepulauan Babel), to further increase patrols and to educate the public not to take the law into their own hands,” said Yusril while attending the 37th graduation ceremony of the University of Bangka Belitung (UBB) at Balun Ijuk, Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung, on Wednesday.

He said there had recently been many cases of muggings, robberies, thefts and other crimes.

However, Yusril said the problem was not the crimes themselves, but rather that those suspected of committing them were caught and beaten to death by crowds.

“We have met with the Bangka Belitung Police Chief and asked the police to safeguard and maintain public order as well as protect the people of this region,” he said.

According to him, curbing mob justice is not only the duty of the police; regional governments and religious leaders must also play a role and educate the public not to commit violence.

“Kyais, ulama and other religious figures are expected to educate the public not to commit violence, because the person concerned may not necessarily have stolen a chicken, a motorcycle or anything else,” said Yusril.

He stated that mob justice is inhumane and violates human values.

“If cases of theft, robbery or mugging occur, the public should report them to the police, because the suspect may not necessarily have committed the offence,” he said.