Amnesty International on Monday urged Indonesian authorities to investigate the deaths of at least eight people, following a violent crackdown on nationwide protests that began August 25.

Demonstrations took place across Indonesia last week, drawing thousands of people into the streets to protest low wages as well as new tax increases and pay raises for lawmakers. Protesters set fires at regional parliament buildings and other public institutions in response to government policies. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, and rights groups reported incidents of excessive force, including the killing of a ride-share driver who was struck by an armored police vehicle.

Citing the severity of the situation, President Prabowo Subianto canceled a planned trip to China to remain in Indonesia and manage the unfolding crisis.

The Indonesian government has confirmed that several fatalities occurred during the unrest. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the protests while emphasizing how the President’s order sought to stabilize the situation and protect the public through officer deployment.

Amnesty said authorities must “promptly ensure an independent and impartial investigation into these deaths and violent incidents” and stressed that those responsible should be held accountable in fair trials.

Indonesia is a party to and has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the right to life and guarantees freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. Persistent violations of the Covenant may expose states to international scrutiny and potential sanctions through UN mechanisms.