At least 31 suspects are shot dead by Indonesian police in a bid to 'clean up' cities ahead of the Asian Games this weekend

  • Amnesty International claimed 31 of the killing were directly linked to the Games
  • Police were accused of implementing a 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy
  • Chiefs openly said anyone who resisted arrest would be shot on sight 

By Nic White For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Indonesian police have killed dozens with a 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy to 'clean up' before the Asian Games this weekend.

Amnesty International claimed 31 fatal police shootings were directly linked to police operations explicitly designed to prepare Jakarta and other host cities.

National police chief Tito Karniavan announced officers would take 'firm actions' including shooting anyone resisting arrest on sight.

 Indonesian police have killed dozens with a 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy to 'clean up' before the Asian Games this weekend (police pictured training for the games)

 Indonesian police have killed dozens with a 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy to 'clean up' before the Asian Games this weekend (police pictured training for the games)

'If they fight the officers during the arrest then have no doubt, just shoot them,' he said on July 30 in response to criticism of the heavy-handed operations. 

The killings peaked on July 3-12, when 11 people in Jakarta and three in South Sumatra were shot dead by the police as part of a 'public safety' operations.

In Jakarta, another 41 people were shot in the legs and more than 700 of 5,000 people arrested were charged with a criminal offence.

Last month, authorities said they shot more than 50 suspects in Jakarta who 'resisted arrest' during a pre-Games crackdown and 15 of them dying of their wounds.

Shooting thieves and muggers who were armed or attempted to flee was necessary to clean up the streets before thousands arrived in Indonesia for the Games, police said.

'These shocking figures reveal a clear pattern of unnecessary and excessive use of force,' said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty's Indonesia office.

 Amnesty International claimed 31 fatal police shootings were directly linked to police operations explicitly designed to prepare Jakarta and other host cities

 Amnesty International claimed 31 fatal police shootings were directly linked to police operations explicitly designed to prepare Jakarta and other host cities

 Shooting thieves and muggers who were armed or attempted to flee was necessary to clean up the streets before thousands arrived in Indonesia for the Games, police said

 Shooting thieves and muggers who were armed or attempted to flee was necessary to clean up the streets before thousands arrived in Indonesia for the Games, police said

'The hosting of an international sporting event must not come at the price of abandoning human rights.'

Mr Hamid said authorities promised to improve security for all in the months leading up to the Asian Games.

'Instead, we have seen the police shooting and killing dozens of people across the country with almost zero accountability for the deaths,' he said.

'These shocking figures reveal a clear pattern of unnecessary and excessive use of force by the police, and a constant veil of impunity that taints public security institutions. 

'The killings must stop and all deaths must be promptly and effectively investigated.'

Tens of thousands of security personnel will be deployed during the August 18 to September 2 Games, the second-biggest in the world after the Olympics

Tens of thousands of security personnel will be deployed during the August 18 to September 2 Games, the second-biggest in the world after the Olympics

Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Kine added: 'The Asian Games are intended to celebrate human achievement, not provide a pretext for a police 'shoot to kill' policy in the name of crime contro.'

Authorities also targeted terror suspects, with Indonesia on high alert following a string of suicide bombings this year which reignited concerns about Islamist militants.

Tens of thousands of security personnel will be deployed during the August 18 to September 2 Games, the second-biggest in the world after the Olympics.

Indonesia is hosting more than 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials for the event.

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