Umar Patek: Bali bomber’s release after just 10 years in prison sparks anger among families of the 202 victims
IndependentJUL 2022
Human rights are sacrosanct, yet the thought of Patek living a normal life is difficult to bear. Patek's release will cause fresh trauma for survivors and the victims' grieving families, who still find it hard to process what happened 20 years ago. Allowing a dangerous terrorist to walk free is injustice, a slap in the face, and an absolute disgrace.
Patek's rehabilitation has been closely monitored by Indonesian authorities. After undergoing a deradicalization program he has shown changes and has pledged allegiance to Indonesia. Such a gesture is important for humane criminal justice policies, and to support the deradicalization of youth who may be under the sway of Islamist extremism.
The anger and disappointment surrounding Patek's early release could severely dent Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations. Though his freedom is Indonesia's internal matter and concerns its domestic legal processes, Jakarta must assure Australia that he will be kept under intensive supervision and monitored 24x7 — there are geopolitical implications to this "rehabilitation process."