Urgent Action: Manokwari Protesters in Custody

The Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) reports...

There have been a number of demonstrations in West Papua in the last two weeks with demonstrators protesting the failed autonomy package.

13 were arrested in Manokwari for carrying the West Papuan flag and although two were released, 11 are still in custody. There is concern for their
safety.

Also church leaders have been intimidated at a church conference by police and military personal in the highlands of West Papua.

We urge you to write to [your country's] Foreign Minister (a sample letter is attached) about your concern for the safety of those arrested.

Note that if you are a Canadian, Canada has just been appointed as one of three countries reviewing Indonesia before the UN Human Rights Council in April 2008. Please write to the Hon. Maxime Bernier, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6, or email: Bernier.M@parl.gc.ca

Please take action now!
Tom