Possession
of the Morning Star flags, a symbol of Papuan independence, is
prohibited under a 2007 government regulation in Indonesia.
© Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images
The
death of an activist after she participated in a peaceful protest in
Papua, Indonesia, is a tragic reminder of the precarious state of
freedom of expression and assembly in the region, Amnesty International
said.
Salomina
Kalaibin died in hospital on 6 May due to gunshot wounds she received
six days earlier at a peaceful commemoration of the 50th anniversary of
the handover of Papua to the Indonesian government by the United Nations
Temporary Executive Authority.
Two
other people were killed and at least seven other protesters were
wounded during the event. At least 22 individuals are currently detained
for having participated in the peaceful activities. Many allege the
security forces were responsible for the violence.
“The
death of the three political activists is a stark reminder that in
Papua, speaking out comes with a high price,” said Isabelle Arradon,
Asia-Pacific Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
“It
is imperative that authorities in Indonesia urgently set up a
comprehensive and independent investigation into allegations of
unnecessary use of firearms by security forces during the protests, make
the results available to the public, and bring those responsible to
justice.”
“Failure to take action will send a message that the security forces in Papua operate above the law.”
On
30 April, police and soldiers opened fire on a group of people who had
peacefully gathered in Aimas District, in the city of Sorong, to
organize commemorative activities the following day. Two men, Abner
Malagawak and Thomas Blesia, were killed on the spot while Salomina
Kalaibin, a woman, died six days later due to gunshot wounds to her
stomach and shoulder.
Two others also suffered gunshot wounds during the incident. Police claim the shootings were done in self-defence.
At
least six people have since been arrested and charged with “rebellion”
for possession of the Morning Star flags, a symbol of Papuan
independence which is prohibited under a 2007 government regulation.
On
1 May 2013 police opened fire into the air to forcibly disperse
hundreds of peaceful protesters who had gathered at a market complex in
Kwamki Baru, Timika and allegedly shot five people. At least 10
protesters were taken to Mimika District police station and charged with
“rebellion”.
That
same day, at least one person was shot in the city of Biak when
security forces opened fire at a group of at least 50 people who had
gathered to raise the Morning Star flag.
Article
6 of Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 77/2007 prohibits the
display of separatist logos or flags and Articles 106 and 110 of the
Criminal Code prescribe heavy punishment for “rebellion”.
“The
fact that Indonesian law is being used to criminalize freedom of
expression, coupled with a situation in which abuses by security forces
are rarely brought to civilian courts is a dangerous situation for
peaceful political activists and human rights defenders in Papua,” said
Arradon.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/freedom-expression-suppressed-papua-third-peaceful-protester-dies-2013-05-09
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/freedom-expression-suppressed-papua-third-peaceful-protester-dies-2013-05-09