President of Indonesia Set to Visit Australia

President of Indonesia Set to Visit Australia

Dear Friends,

Because the Indonesian President is visiting Australia this month, I am writing to inform you that we are organising a demonstration against the abuse of West Papuan human rights. The rally is to be held at outside the Australian Parliament in Canberra on the 10th March 2009, at 10 am.

The purpose of this event is to continue to raise awareness about the West Papuan students who are imprisoned in West Papua and face ongoing torture, intimidation and abuse.

A recent demonstration in Yapen island, West Papua, attracted over 2000 peaceful protesters, but resulted in multiple arrests and intimidation. According to Terrianus Yocku, President of National Congress West Papua National Authority (WPNA), two West Papuan women were terrorized and forced by Indonesian police to take off their clothes in a public market area. The women were targeted for suspected involvement in the demonstration.

Please continue to help us lobby and write letters to Amnesty International, the Australian government and the international community to put pressure on the Indonesian government to release all political prisoners throughout West Papua and Indonesia. They were arrested by the Indonesian army, police and intelligence without consideration for their freedom of speech.

Regards,

Herman

ENDS

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