Jayapura, Jubi – There have been various reactions to the recent release of Filep Karma, a Papuan hero who was jailed for over a decade in Abepura prison for treason. Papua police chief, Inspector General Paul Waterpauw, said he hoped Filep Karma came to his senses and stopped doing things that could harm himself.
Papuan Legislator Laurenzus Kadepa said Filep Karma’s ideology can not be restricted by anyone. Although he was imprisoned for more than 10 years, Karma never stop voicing the rights of indigenous Papuans from behind bars.
Kadepa questioned Paul Waterpauw’s comment.
“What does it mean when police chief asked Filep Karma to change his behavior and ideology? I think the ideology of Filep Karma can not be restricted by anyone and in any way, “said Kadepa to Jubi on Thursday (26/11/2015).
He said Filep Karma had been a victim of an unjust law. He was convicted because of having thoughts that are considered against the ideology of Pancasila.
“He was subsequently arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison. However the iron bars have not been able to limit the struggle of Filep Karma. He continued to speak out from behind bars,” he said.
He further said, what was done by Filep Karma may be considered against the country, but not by his people. He even got support and sympathy of the Papuan people and even internationally.
“So I think it is not easy to change one’s ideology. Because the mind is believed to be the truth. So, what’s wrong with him. During this time he was fighting for ideology, not with violence, but a peaceful way, “he said.
Filep Karma, Papuan political prisoner was arrested and detained since December 1, 2004 when he delivered political speeches and raised the Morning Star flag in the University of Cendrawasih. On May 26, 2005, the Jayapura District Court sentenced the 15 years in prison. He was then charged on criminal elements contained in article 106 and article 110 Criminal Code.
After serving his sentence, repeatedly states offer remission and pardon, but he always refused the offer. According to him, remission and pardon granted only to those who behave well and admitted his guilt.
“The reason given remission is for good behavior. Did I misbehave in the community? I am a good person. My belief on what is truth made me put into prison. Let me finish the sentence “said Filep Karma to Jubi a few months ago in Abepura Prison.
On November 19, 2015, Karma granted decade remission from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights on the Minister of Law and Human Rights numbers: W.30-300-PK.01.01.02 2015 On Granting Remission Decades of 2015 To the Prisoners and Criminal Child Related with Article 34 paragraph (3) of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2006.
Although he refused it, but eventually he remained excluded from prisons. According to Karma, it is just a diversion from a small prison to a big prison.
Head of the division of corrections office of Kemenkumham Papua, Johan Yarangga said it is obliged to encourage Karma and every person who has been declared legally free live their freedom.
“We have no right to detain people without legal basis. Pak Filep Karma is free. There is no reason to arrest him, “said Johan Yarangga on the Day of liberation of Karma. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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