1) Indonesian Government Must End Violence Against Journalists, Activists in Papua
2) Indonesia: End police violence against demonstrators in Papua
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Freedom House
1) Indonesian Government Must End Violence Against Journalists, Activists in Papua
Freedom House is deeply concerned about the intimidation and violence aimed at journalists and human rights defenders in Papua, Indonesia, and calls on the Indonesian government to end the culture of impunity that has allowed the violence to escalate.
On October 23, members of the National Committee for West Papua (KNPB) staged a series of pro-independence demonstrations in cities throughout Papua. At the State University of Papua in Manokwari, Indonesian security forces sought to end the demonstration with a brutal crackdown that reportedly left several protesters dead and dozens injured. During the confrontation, an Indonesian journalist photographing the security forces’ actions was severely beaten by five police officers, despite displaying his press credentials.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on the press and human rights defenders in Papua, who are increasingly being targeted for their work.
Indonesia is ranked Partly Free in Freedom House’s Freedom of the Press 2012 survey. As a result of the increasingly hostile environment in Papua, a number of human rights defenders have relocated after suffering continued harassment and in some cases receiving death threats.
Attacks on journalists and human rights defenders in Papua are rarely investigated or prosecuted. In 2011, two journalists were killed in Papua, eight were kidnapped, and more than a dozen others were attacked. Freedom House strongly condemns this intimidation and violence and calls on the Indonesian government to ensure that all journalists and human rights defenders in Papua receive the rights and protections afforded them under Indonesian law.
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Press releases
25 October 2012
2) Indonesia: End police violence against demonstrators in Papua
A pro-independence protest in Papua has been met with a violent response by the Indonesian security forces as four demonstrators were shot by the police, prompting
Amnesty International to call on the authorities to halt the excessive use of force.
On 23 October 2012, police in Manokwari, Papua opened indiscriminate fire at a gathering of some 300 protesters outside the local university in response to stones thrown by a few of the protesters. At least 11 people were injured, four of whom suffered gunshot wounds. Some protesters reported being beaten by the police. At least five police officers also suffered injuries.
“It is unacceptable that people who have gathered for a protest should have to fear for their lives. The indiscriminate use of firearms and excessive force against protesters by the security forces has to stop – it is a violation of international law.” said Isabelle Arradon,
Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Deputy Director. “This incident warrants an immediate investigation and a thorough review of police tactics during policing of demonstrations”
Meanwhile, local journalist, Oktovianus Pogau, was punched by police officers during the demonstration as he tried to produce his press card.
The Indonesian security forces have a track record of unchecked abuses, including torture and other ill-treatment, and the use of excessive force against protesters.
“Although members of the security forces may find it challenging to face violent protesters, they should do so while respecting human rights. In particular, the use of firearms should only be a last resort to protect life,” said Arradon.
Security forces should be equipped with a range of means to allow for a differentiated use of force, as well as adequate self-defensive equipment such as shields, helmets and body armour to decrease the need to use weapons at all.
Peaceful political dissent continues to be criminalized in Papua, denying Papuans their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
On 19 October 2012, police prevented hundreds of people who had gathered peacefully at the grave site of pro-independence leader Theys Eluay in Sentani, Jayapura. Five people were arbitrarily arrested but were released later.
“Unfortunately this is part of a long-standing pattern of authorities denying Papuans their right to peaceful protest, which together with lack of accountability for past human rights violations is fuelling resentment and lack of trust locally,” said Arradon
These incidents come at a tense time in Papua, as Papuans have been holding public events to commemorate the first anniversary of the Third Papuan People’s Congress, a peaceful political gathering which was held from 17 to 19 October 2011. At the end of the 2011 Congress, police and military units violently dispersed participants leaving at least three people dead.
Five political activists were sentenced to three years in prison for “rebellion” after the Congress. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
Amnesty International takes no position whatsoever on the political status of any province of Indonesia, including calls for independence. However, the organization believes that the right to freedom of expression includes the right to peacefully advocate referendums, independence or any other political solutions that do not involve incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
Region Asia And The Pacific
Country Indonesia
For further information, contact International Press Office »
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