The Ambon Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers Ambon) ensures that it will oversee the case of violence experienced by journalist Oce Leisubun, a contributor to Carang TV in Southeast Maluku Regency (Malra).

LBH Pers Ambon also rejected the restorative justice offered by the Malra Police Resort (Polres) to the victim who was assaulted at his home on Monday (25/9/2023). The victim's house is in the Pemda Complex, Langgur, Malra Regency.

According to the victim, the violence he experienced was allegedly related to news written about a statement by the Catholic Youth Branch Commissariat (Komcab) of Malra and the Southeast Maluku Community Forum (Formama). This youth group was responding to a case of sexual violence allegedly committed by the Regent of Southeast Maluku, Taher Hanubun.

Before being beaten, Oce Leisubun admitted to receiving threats by telephone at 17.30 WIT. Someone named DR contacted the victim but who picked up the phone, Reny Bunga, his wife. The reason is, the victim's cellphone was left at home. After returning home, an hour later he heard the threatening sentence through his wife.

Not long after, three people including DR came to his house and asked about the news he had written. That's when the victim was hit on the right chin. There was an argument because the perpetrator urged the victim to stop reporting on the Regent's case.

Oce Leisubun was then invited by DR to the Malra Regent's house in Tual City. Although they met, there was no discussion about the beating. For this reason, the victim, along with other journalists and activists, reported the threat and persecution to Malra Police.

"Due to Oce Leisubun's belief regarding the motive for the beating, he asked that this case be prosecuted," said Director of LBH Pers Ambon, Sarchy Sapury at the AmbonKita.com editorial office, Friday (29/9/2023).