JAKARTA – A recent wave of book confiscations during police crackdowns on alleged “provocateurs” behind nationwide protests has been met with sharp criticism from rights groups, who say the practice undermines freedom of expression.
Following unrest in August over economic hardship and public frustration at officials’ perceived insensitivity, police across several provinces arrested dozens accused of inciting riots and vandalism. Alongside the detentions, officers also seized books, later presented as “evidence” of the suspects’ alleged violent activity.
IndonesiaPolice raidsProtests