HRW demands police drop treason charges against Papuan activist Yeimo asiapacificreport.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from asiapacificreport.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A Papuan leader sought by Indonesian police over the 2019 Papua “Spring” uprising, Victor Yeimo, has been arrested on suspicion of treason, reports Susan Price.
Let’s reflect on some things we probably take for granted.
Not too many people realise the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on Fijians until they see things for themselves.
It’s difficult to appreciate this when you are far removed from the hardship thousands of Fijians are forced to live with.
Now take for instance the fact that there are no jobs for carrier drivers in Nadi Town. It’s probably not going to ruffle feathers so to speak, unless you are one of those directly or indirectly impacted.
Today’s Fiji Times “Remain calm” front page. Image: Fiji Times screenshot
“Just eradicate them. Let’s talk about human rights later.”
[Editor’s note: KKB is an expression used by security force members for TPN PB fighters.]
The announcement and statements have caused a reaction among Indonesian leaders and civil society groups. Terrorist label
Police observer Irjen Pol Purn Sisno Adiwinoto warned that labelling Papuan independence groups as “terrorists” would not solve problems in West Papua.
Philip Situmorang, public relations officer from the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), asked the government to be careful of their decision to label the “KKB” as a terrorist group.
Church groups have warned that Jakarta should choose a different approach to Papua.
Ironically, with the annual World Press Freedom Day on April 26, many commentors also warn about the increased dangers for journalists covering the conflict.
Setara Institute for Peace and Democracy chairperson Hendardi has criticised the government’s move against “armed criminal groups” in Papua, or “KKB”, as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) armed wing is described by military authorities.
The move to designate them as terrorists is seen as a short-cut and an expression of the government’s “desperation” in dealing with the Papuan struggle for independence.
“The labeling of resistance groups in Papua will not break the long and recurring cycle of violence,” Hendardi said, according to a report in