Conviction of Muhammad Nazar by Indonesian Court

The United States is deeply concerned over the conviction and five-year prison sentence handed down to Acehnese political activist Muhammad Nazar on July 1. This is the latest in a series of convictions and prison sentences for peaceful expression of anti-government views in Indonesia, and contributes to the apparent intimidation of independent observers who would be in a position to monitor and report on gross human rights abuses in Aceh.

We regret that the Banda Aceh court handed down such a harsh sentence against Mr. Nazar for exercising his right to peaceful political activity, as recognized by the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Indonesia is a signatory.

The United States supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia. However, we continue to believe that the Aceh conflict is not amenable to solution by use of military force. The only long-term solution to the Aceh conflict will come through political dialogue with all segments of Acehnese society based upon Special Autonomy provisions.