Author: Broecker, Christen
Title: Turning Critics Into Criminals: The Human Rights Consequences of Criminal Defamation Law in Indonesia
Summary: In Indonesia, publicly voicing criticism of officials and powerful individuals can lead to criminal charges and, in some cases, imprisonment. While media freedom and freedom of expression have expanded significantly in the 12 years since Indonesia began its transition from authoritarianism to democracy, a number of laws criminalizing speech remain on the books. These include criminal libel, slander, and insult laws. Punishments under the laws include stiff fines and prison sentences of up to six years. This report documents recent cases in which such laws have been used by public officials and powerful individuals in Indonesia to the detriment of anti-corruption activists, human rights defenders, journalists, consumers, and others. Based on interviews with more than 30 defendants and witnesses, it reveals the disastrous and long-lasting impact criminal defamation investigations and prosecutions can have on the lives of those accused. The report urges Indonesia to repeal its criminal defamation laws and craft appropriate civil defamation provisions to better safeguard freedom of expression while still adequately protecting reputational interests.
Details: New York: Human Rights Watch, 2010. 86p.
Source: Internet Resource
Year: 2010
Country: Indonesia
URL:
Shelf Number: 118813
Keywords:
Criminal DefamationCriminal Law (Indonesia)Freedom of SpeechHuman Rights |
