Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of two prominent human rights figures.

On 4 January 2000, Syaifuddin Gani and Nazaruddin Ibrahim, human rights lawyers and human rights activists were arrested by Indonesian Police in Sigli town, Pidie District, Aceh. They were held at Sigli police resort (Polres).

The two were arrested as part of a sweeping police operation in search of members of the armed separatist group Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM), Free Aceh Movement.

The reason for their arrest is not known but is believed to be in connection with their human rights activities - both men are actively involved with non-governmental human rights organisations in Aceh. They are not thought to have been charged with any offence yet. As such, Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience.

Since late 1998, serious human rights violations in Aceh have increased in the course of counter-insurgency operations by the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), Indonesian National Army against GAM, which has seen hundreds of people arbitrarily detained on suspicion of having links to the organisation. Those detained are often denied access to lawyers of their choice, and are at risk of torture or ill treatment.

Human rights defenders and those who work for non-governmental organisations are particularly at risk of human rights violations, threats and harassment. On 18 November 1999, six people involved in humanitarian work with refugees in South

Aceh were reportedly detained by Indonesian soldiers and badly beaten before being released.

The failure by the authorities to bring security force personnel to justice for human rights violations they have committed in the area has fuelled tension and anger among the population. On 30 July 1999, the then President, Habibie, announced the establishment of an Independent Investigation Commission on Violence in Aceh. Although the findings of the Commission have been submitted to the new President, Abdurrahman Wahid, and Attorney General, Marzuki Darusman, the authorities have failed to take concrete measures to act on its findings.