WAMENA, SUARAPAPUA.com — Theo Hesegem, Executive Director of the Papua Human Rights and Integrity Foundation (International Human Rights Division), urged the Government of Indonesia, especially the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to immediately release five political prisoners (Tapol) who were postponed last week.
They are Paulus Surya Anta Ginting, Ambrose Mulait, Dano Anes Tabuni, Ariana Lokbere, and Charles Kossay. Initially according to the plan was released on May 12, 2020, but it was never done and postponed on May 26th, 2020 for three reasons.
First based on Amnesty International Indonesia’s information, because the prison part has not yet received a copy of the verdict, secondly some person ask for money and the third they (Tapol) are deemed ineligible to be released based on PP No.99 / 2012 Regarding the Terms and Procedures for the Implementation of the Rights of Fostered Citizens.
“Therefore we urge quick release. That is all! No need to delay. I don’t know the specific reasons for the delay, but I hope the government must have the policy to accelerate the release of these five political prisoners,” Hesegem stressed to suarapapua.com at his residence, in Wamena, Saturday (5/16/2020).
He also stated that before he had shown the absence of strong legal facts, he once again requested immediate release. “The government must look wisely at these Tapol. We are all feared by the coronavirus, but the policy of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights is somewhat different. How could he (the Minister) release about 30 thousand more prisoners in Indonesia, then what about the 5 Papuan political prisoners?” Hesegem asked.
He also highlighted the trial activities carried out by the court during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, all activities in Indonesia were closed, but the Judiciary continued to conduct the trial and other activities.
This is the same as ignoring the president’s order. “All places of worship are closed, school activities are also included offices throughout Indonesia, but this institution continues to carry out activities. Then postpone the release of political prisoners again. I think this action is against the president’s order. So we ask to expedite they release,” he insisted.
Previously, Amnesty International Indonesia urged that the five Papuan political prisoners, called prisoners of conscience, be immediately released without conditions. “This delay is very unacceptable. Political prisoners who in our terms are prisoners of conscience must be released immediately and without conditions. They shouldn’t even have been jailed from the start, “said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia last week.
Reporter: Onoy Lokobal
Editor: Elisa Sekenyap
Translator: Imelda Kopeuw
