Call the Indonesian police to release West Papuan political prisoners

May 29, 2020

At 7:00 in the morning on May 27th, two West Papuan activists, Gerson Son Tabuni and Kalep Kilungga were arrested without explanation by the Indonesian police in Kuala Kencana, West Papua. Gerson was shot in the leg and brutally tortured. His crime according to the police? Posting information on social media “that is at odds with the Republic of Indonesia”.

This is an outrageous violation of Freedom of Speech. Gerson and Kalep are members of the mass organisation, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) which campaigns peacefully for an independence referendum for West Papua.

DEMAND THE INDONESIAN POLICE IMMEDIATE RELEASE THEM NOW (+62 812 485 864 97) 

Benny Wenda, the Chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) states:

“We need all international supporters to call Detective Andi Suhidin of the Criminal Investigation Police in Mimika and demand their release” .

We recommend you state/send the following message:

“Bebaskan aktivis KNPB, Gerson Tabuni dan Kalep Kilungga!”

You can also add: “Kami di dunia internasional mengawasi dengan cermat apa yang anda lakukan. Anda harus menghormati hak asasi manusia internasional. ”

Translation: “Free the KNPB activists Gerson Tabuni and Kalep Kilungga! 

We in the international community are watching closely what you are doing. You must respect international human rights.”

Please also print out this poster & photograph yourself/your friends holding it. Send the photos to us and we’ll share your solidarity with the world!