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Indonesian police’s book seizures during crackdown on protesters draw criticism
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The police have clarified that they do not oppose reading itself but argued that certain books could be linked to the recent riots.
PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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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 moves undermine 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.
