Today as four West Papuan leaders are believed to remain in custody after attending a congregation praying for the safety of the Freedom Flotilla to West Papua, a letter has been sent to Senator Bob Carr demanding concern for the safety of Freedom Flotilla and its supporters both in Australia and West Papua, and urging him to make representation to his Indonesian counterparts to respond appropriately to the peaceful action.
Leaders of faith, politics, legal, human and refugee rights groups endorsing the letter sent by Community Radio 3CR, which also expressed concern for the safety of the West Papuan refugee community in Melbourne who are believed to have been targetted by Indonesian intelligence operatives for their or their families involvement in the West Papuan pro-democracy movement.
Wikileaks candidate Gerry Georgatos and the Democratic Labour Party provided an alternative vision to the major parties’ statements that have indicated they will not seek to ensure the rights of the peaceful group to be treated justly by Indonesia. The Indonesian Government have not ruled out using force to stop the boats. Across the Tasman ocean, New Zealand Greens Party MP Catherine Delahunty joined the chorus of support growing around the world.
3CR’s Station Manager, Marian Prickett explained the reasons 3CR wrote the letter. “Many of those involved in the Freedom Flotilla are part of our community of programmers here at 3CR Radio and there was deep concerned at the station when we heard that both our Foreign Minister and the opposition spokesperson on the issue planned to abandon those exercising their aspirations for a free and safe West Papua. Many of those involved have fled persecution from Indonesian authorities in West Papua. We should be supporting them in their efforts to draw attention to the ongoing persecution of pro-democracy activists. History tells us again and again people have to take a stand to make change”
The letter will also be presented directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade office by a protest in Brisbane on Monday.
In a further show of global solidarity, yesterday in The Hague a demonstration took place outside the Indonesian Embassy in calling for the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla to West Papua. A Free West Papua campaign office was opened on August 15th, in the city which is home to the International Court of Justice. The office is working to bring the issue of West Papua’s right to an act of self-determination to the United Nations, as well as to uphold justice for human rights abuses that have taken place since West Papua was invaded in 1962.
Indigenous Leaders Arrested for ‘Treason’
West Papuan customary leaders Apolos Sewa, 53, Amandus Mirino, 56, Samuel Klasjok, 60, and Yohanes Goram, 53 are facing charges of treason under articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, following a congregation to pray for the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla to West Papua on the 28th of August.
The head of police at Sorong, Harry Goldenhard, confirmed the charges to Marni Cordell of the Guardian, saying the four had been arrested after the banned Morning Star flag was raised following the church service.
They were held and interrogated for more than 24 hours before being released on the condition of reporting twice weekly to the Sorong Police Station.
Ronny Kareni, a Freedom Flotilla organiser and West Papuan refugee based in Australia stated, “The arrest of four leaders outside a church is an infringment of religious practice and cultural expression. It shows Papuans live like prisoners in their own land and there is no space for democracy.”
“The latest arrests are just a continuation of the Indonesian Governments long strategy of arresting and killing cultural and political leaders. So many of our leaders are behind bars, including the leaders of the Federated Republic of West Papua and the West Papuan National Committee. It is clear from our people’s commitment to continue to express themselves that this strategy is failing, it will not resolve the problems. It only confirms the reason that our people struggle, the reason that the Freedom Flotilla is determined to continue its journey to West Papua” he continued.
According to the Asian Human Rights Commission least 77 West Papuans have been tried for treason under Article 106 since 2008 which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. According to TAPOL atleast 57 are confirmed to be imprisoned as prisoners of conscience across West Papua, which has been struggling to gain independence since Indonesia invaded in 1962.
Unlce Kevin Buzzacott denounced the latest charges “Wake up Indonesia your day is coming. The whole world is watching you. You’ll soon be in the international court. Let the trial begin…. We’ll see you in court. We’re calling on all other countries to act now and stop this. What sort of people are you America, and Australia? Stop supporting this by sponsoring and supplying the Indonesian military!”
Both Australia and America supply arms, training and funding to the Indonesian military.
Ruben Blake
