Raihana Diani, Indonésie

On the 16 July 2002 in Banda, Aceh, myself and six others were arrested whilst taking part in a peaceful demonstration against military law in Aceh. The demonstration was organised by the NGO ‘Acehnese Women’s Democratic Organisation’. After 24 hours of detention my colleagues were released, but I was detained further as a suspect accused of organizing the demonstration, subversion and breaking the order of peace. I was detained in a police station and occupied a cell that measured 3 by 4 metres, all the other inmates in the police station were males. From the very beginning, I was not alone but joined in my cell with a girl that was arrested on a cannabis charge. Though after just a few days she was also let free. During my detention at the police station, I had to endure routine visits by the police and undercover soldiers both night and day to the point where I suffered from sleep deprivation. They used verbal abuse, threats and intimidation, some of which were sexual in intent. I was detained for 33 days in that police cell; I was never given an official reason why my length of stay was extended. Also during this time I was continuously interrogated, sometimes they would say that I was free to leave if I was repentant for my actions. But I refused their offer as I felt that I did not do anything wrong. Guests that came to visit me also received threats from the police, and were often refused access. The maximum time for each visit was 10 or 15 minutes. My cell was not fitted with a light bulb and had a leaking roof so when it rained I also got wet.

After the 33 days of incarceration, I was moved to a prison where conditions improved somewhat and things overseen by women guards. Nevertheless, they also warned me from talking to other prisoners about the reasons why I was there and sometimes they refused to open my door if guests came to visit me there. Eventually I received my trial, which also dragged on to the point that I had to attend court 12 times. Without any evidence I was sentenced to a further 6 months imprisonment. During my imprisonment, my fellow activists and friends gave me much support whilst also putting pressure by protesting to the authorities so that they would release me. My arrest and imprisonment illustrates that there is no freedom of speech or expression in both Aceh and Indonesia, and anyone that criticises the government is deemed to be a subversive. In July of 2002, unidentified persons raided the office in which I worked and destroyed equipment and books - as well as carrying out general acts of vandalism. At the time there was one member of staff in the office but fortunately he was able to escape. After this, I also received threatening telephone calls from unidentified persons.

What I have just described is only a small part of what I have had to endure whilst incarcerated. All the events took place prior to the introduction of military law in Aceh. At this moment in time Aceh is still under military law in an effort to smash the paramilitary organisation (GAM). As a result of the authorities’ actions, hundreds of civilians have been murdered as well as infrastructure and civil order corroded. Up to this point in time many other activists have been intimidated and threatened by the military in Indonesia.

Finally, we need support and solidarity from all of you.

10 September 2003 RAIHANA DIANI Organisasi Perempuan Aceh Demokratik (ORPAD) ORPAD is a NGO based in Aceh, whose work involves the organising and education of women on political issues. ORPAD works with women from many parts of society including street traders, students and in the farming community. ORPAD’s mission is to socially, economically and politically liberate women and the society of Aceh in general.