JAKARTADAILY.ID – Budi Pego, also known as Heri Budiawan, was arrested for speaking out against the negative effects of gold mining on Mount Tumpang Pitu in Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi Regency.
However, he was not imprisoned for the substance of the gold mining issue he spoke about, but because he was accused of promoting Marxist, Communist, and Leninist teachings during a demonstration.
The Hammer and Sickles symbol appeared on one of his banners, which led to his arrest on March 24, 2023, and detention at the Banyuwangi Penitentiary.
Komnas HAM, the National Human Rights Commission, received complaints from the public that Budi Pego was a human rights defender.
The commission records show that the arrest and detention were executed based on a Supreme Court decision that sentenced him to four years in prison for violating the provisions of Article 107a of the Criminal Code.
Also Read: Mount Tumpang Pitu Gold Mine Conflict Has Been on the Radar of the Komnas HAM Since 2015
Budi Pego himself reportedly did not understand the Marxist, Communist, and Leninist teachings he was accused of promoting.
Komnas HAM expressed its regret about Budi Pego's execution and urged the president to grant him amnesty.
The commission also requested that the legal process, including at higher court levels, be carried out independently, impartially, transparently, and fairly in accordance with human rights principles.
Budi Pego's rights, including his right to meet and receive visitors, access to legal counsel, family, health rights, and proper detention rooms, should also be guaranteed in accordance with human rights standards. Finally, the commission urged the Minister of the Environment to issue a regulation protecting human rights defenders in the environmental sector.
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