Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik, two fishermen from North Sumatra Province, face trial amid efforts to save their coastal village from drowning. They face up to five and a half years in prison after being indicted for alleged group violence and property damage. Local NGOs and advocates view the charges as a form of unjust criminalization linked to their activities as environmental activists. They, along with their community, strive to protect the mangrove forest in the area from encroachment, which they fear could lead to flooding and cause their village to sink. The Indonesian authorities must ensure a fair and impartial prosecution and grant their right to a fair trial.
