Megawati Questions Military Trial for Acid Attack Victim in Indonesia

Former Indonesian President and PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has voiced strong concerns regarding the ongoing trial of an acid attack victim, which is being heard in a military court. Speaking at an event at Universitas Borobudur, Megawati expressed her bewilderment and dismay at the legal proceedings, questioning the rationale behind trying a civilian case, particularly one involving such a brutal assault, within a military judicial system. "I am very concerned about the case of the child who was doused with acid. I saw it, why is it funny?" she remarked, highlighting the perceived absurdity of the situation. Megawati specifically questioned whether a victim should have the right to choose the court in which their case is heard, emphasizing the principle of equal justice for all citizens as enshrined in the constitution. The case involves four TNI soldiers accused of the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of KontraS. Their trial at the Jakarta Military Court has drawn criticism from the victim's legal team and a coalition of civil society groups, who argue that the case should be tried in a civilian court. The decision to proceed with a military trial has sparked debate about the boundaries between military and civilian justice in Indonesia, particularly when military personnel are accused of crimes against civilians. This situation raises fundamental questions about accountability and the public's right to a fair and transparent trial, issues that resonate deeply within our national discourse on justice and human rights.

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I am very concerned about the case of the child who was doused with acid. I saw it, why is it funny?