Indonesian Deportation of Palestinian Fugitive Not Linked to Palestine Stance

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Immigration, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has clarified that the deportation of a Palestinian national, identified as Abdul Karim Raeq Miqdad and an Interpol fugitive, to Cyprus is unrelated to Indonesia's political position on Palestine. The minister emphasized that the action was strictly a matter of international law enforcement cooperation.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Mahendra explained that Abdul Karim is implicated in transnational organized crime. "This is related to news that needs to be corrected, suggesting the Indonesian government is not committed to supporting the struggle for Palestinian independence," he stated. He firmly reiterated Indonesia's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, a stance consistently upheld since 1948.

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This is related to news that needs to be corrected, suggesting the Indonesian government is not committed to supporting the struggle for Palestinian independence.

Mahendra stressed the importance of distinguishing between individual criminal matters and national policy. He explained that the case of Abdul Karim is an individual affair concerning a Palestinian citizen involved in criminal activities in another country, specifically Cyprus. The Cypriot police requested Interpol's assistance in apprehending Abdul Karim for law enforcement purposes.

"So, we want to explain so that it is not confused between individual affairs and state affairs," Mahendra urged. This clarification aims to prevent misinterpretations that could arise from the deportation, ensuring that Indonesia's support for Palestine remains distinct from its obligations in international criminal justice cooperation.

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So, we want to explain so that it is not confused between individual affairs and state affairs.