Rights Group Warns of Militaristic Response After Alleged Assault on Aid Volunteers in North Aceh

One victim reportedly suffered a head laceration after being struck with a rifle butt, despite claiming he was not carrying the Crescent Star flag. The victim, a resident of Alue Kuta village in Bireuen Regency, told media outlets that the attack occurred while he and other volunteers from various regions were en route to deliver flood relief to Aceh Tamiang.

As of Thursday night, dozens of motorcycles and cars were reportedly still stranded in the Krueng Mane area, while injured civilians received medical treatment at the Muara Batu Community Health Center.

The Indonesian military, through the Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command (Kodam Iskandar Muda), stated that the dispersal and seizure were carried out because the Crescent Star flag was considered illegal and claimed the convoy had disrupted traffic order. (Uki)