(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has voiced concern about a 27 June 2003 decree reinforcing restrictions on foreign journalists in the province of Aceh and the recent arrests of a Japanese photographer and an American reporter for trying to independently cover the army’s offensive against the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM). “The Indonesian army is gradually imposing […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has voiced concern about a 27 June 2003 decree reinforcing restrictions on foreign journalists in the province of Aceh and the recent arrests of a Japanese photographer and an American reporter for trying to independently cover the army’s offensive against the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
“The Indonesian army is gradually imposing a news blackout on the situation in Aceh,” RSF said. “The unwarranted arrests of foreign journalists and the adoption of a new decree targeting the international press shows the degree to which the military authorities fear independent reporting that differs from that provided by the small number of journalists embedded with troops,” said Ménard.
The organisation said the two journalists were merely exercising their right to inform international public opinion about the situation in Aceh and appealed for their release. It also called for the repeal of the restrictions on coverage of the fighting, introduced under martial law provisions proclaimed in Aceh on 19 May.
There were conflicting reports about the Japanese photographer arrested on 26 June. The Associated Press quoted an army officer saying Tadatomo Takagi, aged 25, was arrested in northern Aceh for working without authorisation. However, Agence France-Presse identified him as Takashi and said he was arrested in southern Aceh.
American journalist William Nessen has been detained by police in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, since 24 June. He has been accused of “violating immigration laws” and “abusing his journalist’s visa.” On 26 June, police rejected a request for his release filed by his lawyer, even though he is in weak condition. He had been reporting on the army’s offensive from alongside the GAM rebels for the past month. His current arrest warrant is valid until 11 July. He faces up to five years in prison.
The martial law provisions in force since 19 May banned journalists from working alongside rebels accused of “terrorism”. In a 27 June decree, these provisions were stepped up and from now on foreign journalists must remain within the province’s main cities, unless accompanied by the security forces. Any journalist violating this restriction will be expelled from the province within 24 hours. Colonel Ditya Sudarsono told the press that the aim was to protect journalists, not obstruct their work.
Since 24 June, foreign journalists have had to receive special permission from the foreign ministry to cover the fighting in Aceh.
At least one journalist has been killed since martial law was introduced in the province, at least five have been arrested and at least 20 have been physically attacked or targeted by gunfire (see IFEX alerts of 19, 10 and 2 June, 30, 26 and 23 May 2003).
