REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Commissioner of National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Natalius Pigai asked the police to postpone legal confirmation against Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI).
HTI has filed a lawsuit against Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Kemenkumham)'s decision to the State Administrative High Court (PTUN).
The ministry has decided to dissolve HTI as mass organization by revoking its license. "We asked the legal process to be postponed for a while, because there must be process of lawsuit. What if the judicial review in Constitutional Court or PTUN won by HTI? How about those who have been arrested?" said Pigai, Thursday.
Pigai stated, police should not arrest former members of HTI. It was because government has only disbanded the organization and its activities, instead of its members.
Individual thought, perspective, and feeling could not be prosecuted, he said. Therefore, there should be no restraints on ex-members who convey thoughts of feelings and opinions based on their religious view. "Moreover, the Law also protects freedom of expression," Pigai explained.
Since HTI has a standing position to fill a lawsuit, the dissolution of HTI by government could not be regarded as final decision. "We think the issuance of Government regulation in lieu of law (perpu), is violating the rights. Government has plan to curb freedom of expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions," he added.