On this day (26th of May 2023), We would like to bring your attention to the distressing incidents involving the torture and illegal arrest of a protected animal, believed to be an olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). These cases highlight the need for immediate action and justice.
Multiple reports have surfaced, particularly on social media, detailing the mistreatment of an olive ridley sea turtle. One specific incident took place on the 13th of May 2023 at around 8:15 pm in the vicinity of Como Beach Club, Batu Mejan Beach. Eyewitnesses at the scene recorded the distressing actions, revealing the involvement of eight individuals as the primary culprits.
Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih team has collected these reports. It has taken the initiative to visit the Badung Central Police (Polres Badung) today, on the 26th of May 2023, to report these cases officially. We hope that by raising awareness and involving the authorities, swift action can be taken to address these acts of cruelty.
This action has been regulated in Law Number 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. Article 21, paragraph 2 states that everyone is prohibited from catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, maintaining, transporting, and trading protected animals, both alive and dead.
The criminal sanction for a person who deliberately violates the provisions referred to in Article 21 paragraph (2) is a maximum imprisonment of 5 (five) years and a maximum fine of Rp. 100,000,000.00 (one hundred million rupiahs) (Article 40 paragraph [2] ] UU 5/1990).
The police have received our report and will assemble an investigative team to investigate this case. Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih ensures that the legal process of this case runs smoothly and will bring the perpetrators to justice. We also will continue to monitor and follow up on the legal process. It is crucial that we protect and preserve the welfare of turtles, a protected species that plays a significant role in our ecosystem.
Let us join forces in condemning such acts of cruelty and advocate for safeguarding our precious marine life. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for our environment and its inhabitants.
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