Kamis, Juni 13, 2002 06:26:31

Letter from one of Our Supporters to an English MP on Benny Wenda's Arrest

Dear Jeremy,

I have just forwarded you a report of the information as we have it regarding the arrest of Benny Wenda. I have also sent this to Lucia Withers at Amnesty International who initially requested it.

I would very much appreciate it if you could use your position to apply pressure on the Indonesian authorities to prevent him from coming to any harm. In November 2001 Theys Eluay, Papuan leader was killed by the Indonesian military/ police.

Benny Wenda is also an important papuan leader. HIS LIFE IS ALSO IN DANGER WHICH THREATENS THE STABILITY OF ALL OF PAPUA.

Please take the following action:

Write/telephone/fax the appropriate Indonesian authorities stating that:

1. You are aware of the arrest of Benny Wenda on 8th June in Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia.

2. You are extremely concerned for his safety, in particular because he is being suspected of a charge for which students have previously been tortured and killed in the Jayapura police cells.

3. He must be allowed a lawyer and he must not be questioned without a lawyer.

I know that this is only one person, but he is very important to the people of West Papua and it demonstrates the continuing and extremely worrying trend in West Papua of the police and military cracking down on peaceful leaders.

I thank you very much for your time, on behalf of Sem karoba, Benny Wenda and myself.