Jakarta, Indonesia – Human rights groups want sanctions against Saharudin Daming, even his expulsion from Indonesia’s prestigious National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), because of his sectarian views, which are often in contradiction with the Commission’s task of protecting human rights. A protest petition was presented today outside parliament.
A recent statement by Daming against Ahmadis is one of the reasons cited for opposition to his presence in the Commission. For many mainstream Muslims, Ahmadis are a heretical and blasphemous group and they are often persecuted for this reason.
Speaking to a group of religious leaders in Bangka Belitung on 16 June, Daming said, “Ahmadis stress the importance of religious freedom, but they have tainted Islam, hiding behind religious freedom. Their action violates human rights.” His speech was broadcast on Radio Sungai Liat.
Even though he is a member of the National Human Rights Commission, Daming is not new to making questionable statements, experts note.
“Mr Daming’s statements are not in line with his position as a member of the Human Rights Commission,” said the petition submitted today by the 55 human rights and interfaith groups.
The Commission is “an independent state body that promotes the values of human rights”. Mr Daming’s statements represent “a violation of the Commission’s ethical rules of conduct”.
The petition calls for a meeting with Mr Daming to discuss ethics and ask him for clarification on his views. Appropriate sanctions should be taken if his misconduct is demonstrated.
The petition was also signed by some 70 well-known public figures, including lawmaker Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, rights activist Djohan Effendy, interfaith activist Aan Ashari as well as two religious, Father John Hariyanto and Brother Benny Susetyo.
A copy of the letter was sent to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.