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Urgent Appeal: Support five Papuan leaders on trial for 'treason'
Free West Papua Campaign - February 17, 2012
Despite their activities being of a peaceful political nature, five Papuan leaders are standing trial in an Indonesian court. If convicted they are likely to face prison sentences of 20 years or more.
From 17-19th October 2011 The Third Papuan Peoples' Congress took place in Jayapura. Around 1000 representatives from every region of West Papua were present to discuss their concerns and make decisions together. On the third day of the congress, the newly elected chairperson Fokorus Yaboisembut publicly read West Papua's declaration of independence, first made when the Dutch colonial power pulled out in 1961, and they raised the 'Morning Star' flag.
The peaceful gathering was stormed by Indonesian security forces. Live ammunition was fired, 3 people were killed and over 90 injured. Hundreds were arrested and bundled onto army trucks. Many were badly beaten, some have not been seen since. Five of the leaders now stand trial for treason, having been imprisoned since October.
The accused Papuan leaders have issued a statement rejecting the treason trial, and insisting that instead there should be an international dialogue between the Federal Republic of West Papua and the Republic of Indonesia, mediated by the UN. This can be read here. It has been rejected by the presiding judge.
It is important that the trial be witnessed by the international community, in order to hold Indonesia to it's professed democratic ideals, and due to the power imbalance of Indonesia enforcing military control. There is a precedent for Indonesia giving extremely long jail sentences to political prisoners. Filep Karma has been imprisoned since 2004 for raising the West Papuan 'Morning Star' flag. At least 15 political prisoners are currently serving long jail terms. Some of them are seriously ill, but being denied treatment.
You can help, by letting the Indonesian government know that this trial is being followed by concerned citizens around the world.
If a large number of us contact the Indonesian Justice Minister, it will send an important message. Such pressure has helped before, and is also the best form of protection that can be given to these leaders while they are imprisoned (to reduce the chances that they will be severely mistreated).
Below is a template email that you can copy and paste. (Postal addresses and phone numbers are also available at the bottom)
Send it to this address: rohumas@kemenkumham.go.id
Subject: Amir Syamsuddin re: Trial of 5 Papuan leaders
Dear Amir Syamsuddin,
Minister of Justice
and Human Rights
Republic of Indonesia.
I am seriously concerned for the rights of the five Papuan leaders you have imprisoned who are currently on trial. They have been arrested for purely political reasons while being involved in a peaceful assembly. The justice system in this case appears to have very skewed priorities as the security forces who beat and shot members of the peaceful assembly on 19th Oct, killing 3 and injuring large numbers, are not on trial, having escaped with only a written warning.
Unless those guilty of violence are brought to justice, and prisoners of conscience are released, the justice system of Indonesia will be brought into disrepute by this case. Could you assure me that you will fulfil your responsibility as Minister for Justice to ensure that justice will be upheld in this situation? This will include recognising the legitimate concerns of the defendants that the occupation of West Papua is a contested issue that should be referred to the UN.
Yours sincerely,
Name: ____________________________
Country: ___________________________
Send to:
Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono
The President
of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No.
16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 3863777/3503088.
Fax: +62 21 3442223
Head of the Papuan
Provincial Department of Justice and Human Rights
Daniel Biantong
Jl. Raya Abepura
No. 37,
Kotaraja - Jayapura
99117, Papua
INDONESIA
Fax +62 967 586112
Amir Syamsuddin
Minister of Justice
and Human Rights
Jl. H.R. Rasuna
Said Kav No. 4-5
Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan
12950
Indonesia
Yuri Octavian
Thamrin Ambassador,
Embassy of the
Republic of Indonesia,
38, Grosvenor
Square,
LONDON W1K 2HW
See also:
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West Papua West Papua Links Statements and Press Releases on West Papua Indonesia Indoleft Archive Indonesia links Indonesia News Digest News services on Indonesia Publications & videos on Indonesia Reports & articles on Indonesia Statements & press releases on Indonesia