TAPOL was established by an ex-political prisoner and has since campaigned for the fair treatment of people criminalised and imprisoned for their political views. Our work in this area involves closely monitoring cases, conducting advocacy and producing briefings and reports, including contributing to regular 'Papuans Behind Bars' reports and updates.
The Continuation of the hearing for the verdict for case number: PDM-18/R.2.11/Eoh.2/02/2023, against Yanwaris Sewa, on Thursday 22nd June 2023 at Sorong State Court, at a court led by the Chief Judge, Bernadus Papendang, along with Rivai Rasyid Takuboya and Lutfi Tomu serving as other judges, attended by the Public Prosecutor along with the accused and his legal team.
“It's getting worse in 2019, when we have the Uprising related to racism. There's a phobia, I think, from the state for us to express our opinion.” (Esther Haluk, West Papuan Woman Activist)
Three West Papuans have been charged with treason and face up to 4 years in prison for holding a peaceful religious service. The judges must be fair and objective and acquit Karlos Bonay, Andreas Sanggenafa and Soleman Waropen, because expressing opinions and peaceful assembly are human rights protected by national and international law!
The agenda for the reading of the prosecution’s case in the trial of Viktor Yeimo on treason charges at Jayapura District Court on 17th April 2023 has been postponed for a second time. The reason given was the same as on the first occasion: the prosecution file from the public prosecutor is not ready because it still has to be coordinated with the Office of the Attorney-General.
Thank you Mr President,
Franciscans International, Amnesty International, World Council of Churches, CIVICUS, Human Rights Monitoring, TAPOL