The Criminalization of Peaceful Political Protests

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Amnesty International Public Statement

 

Indonesia Must End Criminalization of Peaceful Political Protests In Papua

 

Amnesty International calls today for the immediate and unconditional release of seven prisoners of conscience, arrested and charged merely for their involvement in a peaceful political protest and flag-raising.

 

Their case highlights the continued failure of the Indonesian government to distinguish between armed groups and peaceful political activists.

All seven men have been charged with “rebellion” under Article 106 of the Indonesian Criminal Code which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and with “incitement” under Article 160.

The trial of five of the men, all university students, began on 6 June 2011.

 

Full Amnesty Statement here: http://tinyurl.com/3zf2ca2

 

Background info here: http://www.freewestpapua.org/

 

and here: http://www.freewestpapua.com.au/

 

 

 

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