Human Rights Watch has released a report critical of the application of Shari’ah law in Aceh, Indonesia. Policing Morality: Abuses in the Application of Sharia in Aceh, Indonesia alleges that citizen enforcement of the law has resulted in discrimination, abuse, and even torture. Of course, Islamic fundamentalism has been a controversial topic in Indonesia for quite some time. According to BBC, the head of the Sharia law department in Aceh, Rusydi Ali Muhammad, seemed to acknowledge some shortcomings, but also complained about the one-sidedness of the report. The real question is whether Aceh is an isolated phenomenon, or a harbinger of things to come for the rest of the archipelago…
Category Archives: Philippines
EJKs still happening
While many hoped Aquino’s inauguration would lead to an end to EJKs and other human rights abuses, FIlipino NGO Bayan claims that they have continued at a rate of one per week. This is disturbing in and of itself. During the Arroyo administration, many critics alleged that EJKs were part of her strategy against Leftists. However, now with Arroyo out, it’s perhaps even more worrisome now because it indicates that Aquino might not have full control over the army. Thus far, I have year to hear Aquino make a strong statement on the issue. (For background on this issue, see my blog article for the Asia Foundation).
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Filed under human rights, Philippines
Updates from the region
Sorry for the long absence. There’s actually been a good deal of excitement in the world of Southeast Asian judicial politics. Here are some updates from the region:
Burma: A Burmese court ruled against villagers in Kachin state seeking redress against a company that allegedly seized his land. No surprise there.
Indonesia: The Indonesian Supreme Court allowed a controversial prosecution of two members of the Corruption Eradication Commission. The Attorney General decided to drop the case, but several legislators have declared foul. Again, the Supreme Court seems not only unwilling to prevent corruption, but also willing to abet it.
Philippines: Relations between the judiciary and president are souring. The Supreme Court is ruling against several administration initiatives, including the toll hike and removing Arroyo’s midnight appointees.
Thailand: The Constitutional Court removed six Thai politicians, including some prominent Democrats. A ruling regarding Abhisit’s future is imminent.
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Filed under Burma, indonesia, Philippines, Thailand
Doubts about the Supreme Court
The Philippine Supreme Court has recently been engaged in behavior that some would consider, well, doubtful. First, it cleared del Castillo of plagiarism charges. Now, it is threatening University of Philippines faculty members who had called del Castillo a “dummy.” President Aquino also recently expressed his lack of confidence in some of the court’s opinions against the executive branch. All this seems to confirm the fears expressed by Vitug and others that the court lacks enough transparency and accountability to make its rulings credible.
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Filed under Philippines, Supreme Court
Exorcism at the Supreme Court
Just when you think Philippine judicial politics can’t get any zanier… An activist priest performed an exorcism outside the Supreme Court protesting its decision to confirm the conviction of a man who had killed one of Marcos’ military intelligence officers. The case sends a signal to the elite that, while the Court might issue progressive opinions on some issues, it will not condone vigilante justice. In one sense at least, Arroyo can perhaps rest a bit easier…
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Filed under Philippines, Supreme Court
Dominic J. Nardi, Jr. 
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