Trans Peruvian Activist Died In Bali Police Custody

The death of Rodrigo Ventosilla, a Peruvian trans activist, while in the custody of the Bali police in Indonesia, has raised concerns and sparked calls for a thorough investigation. Ventosilla’s family is demanding clear and accurate answers about the circumstances surrounding his death and urging for the release of all relevant information.

Dean Douglas Elmendorf of the Harvard Kennedy School expressed support for Ventosilla’s family and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the need for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Ventosilla’s family has requested the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene and push for an investigation into the conduct of the Indonesian authorities. However, the ministry seemed to support the account provided by the Indonesian officials in a released statement. They denied that the actions of the Indonesian authorities amounted to discrimination or anti-trans violence. The ministry claimed that Ventosilla’s arrest occurred because customs officers discovered pills with a medical prescription and objects containing traces of cannabis.

According to the ministry, Indonesia has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and their derivative products. They stated that one of the detained nationals would have committed a serious crime under the country’s stringent laws. The ministry also claimed that the Peruvian Consulate remained in contact with local authorities, ensuring that they followed local laws and respected Ventosilla’s and Marallano’s rights.

However, Ventosilla’s family rejected the ministry’s statement, considering it offensive and biased. They demand an investigation to determine the individuals responsible for the alleged torture, extortion, and violation of human rights that led to Rodrigo’s death.

Marallano, Ventosilla’s partner, has returned to Lima, while Ventosilla’s body is expected to arrive on August 31.

The worsening LGBTQ rights situation in Indonesia has alarmed activists and human rights organizations. Although there is no specific law prohibiting same-sex relations, authorities have used other laws to suppress LGBTQ individuals. Reports of violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ community in Indonesia are widespread, and activists fear that the situation could deteriorate further.

Indonesia also has some of the strictest drug laws globally. Travelers from other countries have faced severe penalties, including the death penalty, for drug offenses in the past. Possession of cannabis, classified as a Class 1 narcotic, can result in imprisonment and hefty fines.

While most prescription medication is allowed into Indonesia, it is strongly advised to carry a doctor’s letter and the original prescription when traveling with medication. Travelers without a prescription for their medication have been detained in Indonesia.