West Papuan political prisoner released

Friday 20 November 2015

West Papuan political prisoner released after more than 11 years

West Papua Action Auckland and Canterbury are delighted to welcome the release of West Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma.

Filep was released from prison yesterday after serving his full sentence (minus standard remissions) for participating in the raising of West Papua's “Morning Star” flag on December 1, 2004.

“We have campaigned for Filep’s freedom for so many years – his face has adorned badges, t-shirts and postcards. Filep’s courage and his total commitment to freedom for the Papuan people has inspired us all. We hope it will not be long before Filep can visit us and meet his many supporters in Aotearoa.”

We now renew our call on the New Zealand Government to spearhead the setting up of a multi-nation fact-finding mission to West Papua as endorsed by the Pacific Island Forum summit this year.

Filep’s release reminds us that arbitrary arrest and security force brutality and killings are a daily fact for West Papuans. Those who remain in prison for exercising their freedom of speech continue to be subject to the same cruel and abusive treatment that Filep has experienced.

Filep has always insisted that he acted peacefully and that raising the flag is a right and not a crime. Despite his lengthy sentence – 15 years – Filep refused all offers to be released on grounds of ‘clemency’ because that would involve an admission of guilt and pledges not to re-offend. Instead he demanded unconditional release.

On his release Filep joined an anniversary event of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), one of West Papua's main groups working peacefully for West Papuan rights and freedom.
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