29 Oct 2010

Concern over lack of independent probe into Papua torture video

7:12 am on 29 October 2010

Amnesty International is concerned that there may be no independent probe into the recent video footage of Indonesian soldiers torturing two Papuans.

Jakarta this week confirmed that the graphic video showing scenes of torture was authentic and said the soldiers involved had been unprofessional.

An internal investigation has been launched by the military.

However, NGOS such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty say previous internal probes have failed to investigate adequately or prosecute military abuses.

Amnesty's Josef Benedict says there's very little information about how the military probe will proceed.

"The Human Rights Commission is also looking into the matter but what we're calling for is an independent investigation by the Human Rights Commission or by an independent body and this body should be given all the information and evidence with regards to this case. And they should be able to publish their findings and make those public and transparent."