End the torture and imprisonment of two Papuan students
On 8 August, Robert Yelemaken, a 16-year-old high school student, and Oni Wea, a 21-year old university student, were arrested for peaceful political activism in Indonesia.
The boys, both activists with the pro-independence West Papua National Committee, were allegedly caught painting pro-independence graffiti calling for a referendum.
According to local sources, the boys were beaten by the arresting Indonesian police officers. Both boys were reportedly forced to roll in a drain filled with dirty water and were drenched in paint.
The beatings and torture have continued since Robert and Oni were thrown in a cell at the Manokwari District Police Station, where they're currently being detained.
Robert and Oni do not belong in jail. They've committed no serious crime and have been arrested solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Call on the Indonesian authorities to immediately release Robert and Oni and to bring those responsible for their mistreatment to justice.
To: Jotje Mende, Papua Regional Head of Police
I write to express my profound concern for the wellbeing of Robert Yelemaken and Oni Wea, detained at the Manokwari District Police Station since 8 August, 2014.
I urge you to:
-- immediately and unconditionally release Robert Yelemaken and Oni Wea as they have been arrested solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression
-- ensure that Robert Yelemaken and Oni Wea are not tortured or otherwise ill-treated
-- ensure that the two students have access to their families, lawyers of their choice and any medical treatment that they require and moreover ensure that Robert Yelemaken is treated according to the international standards on juvenile justice
-- immediately order an effective and independent investigation into the allegations of torture and other ill-treatment; all those responsible for torture and other ill-treatment, including persons with chain of command responsibility, must be brought to justice in fair trials and victims provided with reparations.
[Your comments here]
Yours sincerely,
[Your name here]
Update #19 years ago
We have received news that Robert has been released and the charges against him have been dropped. Oni (21) remains in detention and they both have been able to access lawyers of their choosing. Please keep up the pressure until Oni is released and the men who tortured the boys are held accountable.
