As we reported last week, 69 people were arrested during the Mayday demonstration held in Yogyakarta . Some of them are still in police custody and were not brought to court since their arrest. Here is an update on this case sent to Freedom by our friends from Palang Hitam ABC Indonesia.

As of May 1st, 2018 to today, the anarchist prisoners in Yogyakarta have still not faced court proceedings. According to the information received, the anarchist prisoners should have been transferred to Cebongan Prison in Sleman on June 29th, as the prosecutor’s office has been holding them in a Yogyakarta police station  since May 1st for the investigation process. However, the planned transfer was cancelled and the period of detention at Polda Yogyakarta has been extended until July 30th, on the grounds of further investigation.

Our prediction is the extended investigation process is due to this case being politicized. It is evident the Mayday action was an act of opposition against the government.

As for the condition of the anarchist prisoners of Yogyakarta, one of them, Brian Valentino (Ucil), was taken to hospital due to shortness of breath and stomach problems. Ucil is still recovering now, but he remains in good spirits and is even trying to cheer up other prisoners.

As for the other anarchist prisoners, they are all in good health both physically and psychologically, however we know the pressure they are under from various parties, especially the police and the state. We will continue to provide information on the situation of the anarchist prisoners and the progress of the case.

Thank you to all the friends who have shown solidarity for the anarchist prisoners of Yogyakarta.

“Unfortunately the dream we carry in our hearts is too great to avoid the risk of finding ourselves up against the monstrous wall of authority raised in defense of the state and capital” -Nicola Gai

Palang Hitam ABC