Jayapura, Jubi – Indonesian security forces have arrested 507 activists since April, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) said.
“During the campaign and socialization of the United Liberty Movement West Papua (ULMWP) in West Papua regions from the end of April until 15 June 2015, the Indonesian Government has arrested 507 Free Papua activists and civilians,” KNPB spokesman Bazoka Logo said in Waena, Jayapura on Tuesday (16/6/2015).
He said the arrests occurred when Papuan people participated in a KNPB campaign to support ULMWP to become a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
KNPB said the arrests were a violation of the Indonesian Constitution which guarantees peaceful expression of opinions in support of ULMWP.
“KNPB has the basis to do it and express the aspirations in public is guaranteed by Indonesian Constitution,” he said.
Furthermore, he said 10 of 507 arrested people are still in jail; 3 people in Biak, 4 people in Manokwari and 3 people in Yahukimo. “The arrests were occurred to suppress the democracy space. These detained people purely gain status as political prisoners because being arrested when participating in peace demonstration to support ULMWP,” he said.
Therefore, KNPB appeal to all Papuan people to remain optimistic to support ULMWP heading to MSG Summit. KNPB will mediate the Papuan people to support the MSG Summit in Solomon Islands.
“We will lead people in prayer and fasting to support ULMWP. It will be held simultaneously at the entire offices of Regional People Parliament (PRD) and KNPB Secretariat and the open spaces in Papua,” he said. (Abeth You/rom)
