Prisoner Abuse & Military Build-Up In West Papua

Appeal To United Nations On Prisoner Abuse & Military Build-Up In West Papua

Following recent representations made by Human Rights Watch regarding the widespread practises of torture and abuse at Abepura Prison, the following is an appeal to the United Nations to undertake an urgent and far-reaching investigation into the activities of the Indonesian authorities in West Papua. In particular prisoner abuse at Abepura and other prisons across the region, the continuing military build-up (planeloads of military personnel are arriving in Sentani and Wamena each day from Java), the human rights violations that have become prevalent in the region. The refusal to give access to NGO or foreign journalists, and the unfurling humanitarian crisis in the Puncak Jaya region where hundreds of people remain in hiding in the jungle should also be investigated

Regarding prisoner abuse at Abepura Prison, Indonesia has broken the United Nation's 'Convention on Torture' in their refusal to launch an investigation into torture claims (the Convention requires countries to make torture illegal and provide appropriate punishment for those who commit torture).

Indonesia have also broken article 5 of the UN charter for Human Rights which states 'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment' as well as article 9 - 'No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.'

A legal document is currently being prepared that will be presented to the United Nations detailing further evidence of violations that Indonesia are committing and the legal requirement for the UN to act against Indonesia.

The following is a list of political prisoners currently being held at Abepura prison whose welfare we are attempting to monitor following further reports of torture against them which have have been received from reliable sources.

1. Filep Karma 2. Yance Motte 3. Selpius Bobii 4. Aris Mandowen 5. Ferdinan Pakage 6. Nelson Rumbiak 7. Luis Gedy 8. Mhatias Dimara 9. Patris Aronggear 10. Sem Wandik 11. Besiur Mirin 12. Steven Wandik 13. Otenus Dabyal 14. Tomhas Lokobal 15. Piter Buiney 16. Moses Lokobal 17. Kosmos Yual 18. Mussa Asso 19. Penius Waker 20. Elias Tamaka 21. Riky Jitmau 22. Elkana Lokobal 23. Buchtar Tabuni 24. Sebby Sambom 25. Musa Tabuni 26. Eko Bratabuy 27. Dias Servin

Amnesty International 'Prisoner of Conscience' Yusak Pakage remains in isolation at a narcotics prison.

ENDS

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