Papuan activist group plans peaceful demonstration

Tuesday, 11 July 2006, 8:16 pm
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Papuan activist group plans peaceful demonstration over democratic rights

A Papuan activist group is planning a peaceful demonstration about democratic rights in the capital of the Indonesian province, Jayapura, tomorrow.

The organiser for Front Bepera Papua Barat, Victor Yeimo, says they’re tired of being denied the right to demonstrate and what he describes as intimidation by Indonesian security forces.

Several members of the Front Bepera are in police custody, facing charges in connection with a violent demonstration against mining giant Freeport’s presence in Papua in March.

16 Papuans are charged with a variety of offences, including inciting the violence which led to the killing of six people, including four Indonesian police officers.

Mr Yeimo says few of those charged had anything to do with the violence...

“There’s no more intimidation and there’s no more others like that. So we are regrouping for our friends who have had so much intimidation in prison. So we want to say to the public that you have the right for making your aspirations. We demand the right to demonstrate in this country.”

Victor Yeimo

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ