Papuan religious leader spooked by Indonesians

Wednesday, 31 May 2006, 8:42 pm
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Papuan religious leader spooked by Indonesian security officers

The Head of the Papua’s Baptist church says harassment by Indonesia won’t stop him speaking out about human rights and justice in the province.

Reverend Socratez Sofyan Yoman has released a list of incidents this year when he has been terrorised and intimidated by Indonesian military, police or intelligence officers.

On March 16th, he says his car was destroyed by Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police who, he says, falsely accused him of having Molotov cocktails to support a student demonstration in Jayapura.

The latest incident involves him being harrassed and having his passport taken away by immigration officers at Jakarta airport two weeks ago.

He says this hasn’t made him afraid to continue speaking out.

“Myself, not afraid because I am talking about the truth and justice and peace; and Im talking about human dignity and human rights. But I’m still here, afraid for my two sons. Police - if they listen or hear, that’s no problem, we have to educate them about peace, justice and the truth.”

Socratez Sofyan Yoman

© Scoop Media

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