Victor Yeimo “Not Racist in the Land of Papua”

SAIRERINEWS.COM – Victor Yeimo, International Spokesperson for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) was arrested by security forces in Tanah Hitam, Abepura, Jayapura City, on 9 May 2021.

Previously, he was accused of committing the crime of treason based on his speech and participation in a peaceful anti-racism demonstration in the city of Jayapura, 19 August 2019.

“Racism is an extraordinary crime against humanity which is still a common enemy throughout the world. Racism is a crime against humanity. An extraordinary crime. I need the support of all those who fight against racism, support me in this trial,” said Viktor.

This was conveyed by Victor after attending a follow-up hearing with an agenda for reading the exception by the Public Prosecutor (JPU), Tuesday (17/1/2023) afternoon at the Jayapura Court.

“We fight racism together. There should be no racism in Papua. There can’t be
racists around the world”!

Activist and spokesman for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Victor Yeimo is currently languishing in prison as a convict.

He was reported to be in critical condition, suffering from MDR tuberculosis and allegedly not receiving treatment. LBH Papua Director Emmanuel Gobay said that Vitor was known to have MDR TB.

According to the medical examination, Victor must receive intensive care for 6 months. Victor had to take 8 pills and two injections of medicine every day for 6 months.

LBH Papua along with 30 other civil society organizations urged the police to release Victor. Veronica Koman and the human rights organization (HAM) TAPOL even reported the arrest to the UN Human Rights Council.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) asked the Indonesian police to drop the politically motivated treason charges against Victor. HRW said the Indonesian government had discriminated against indigenous Melanesians in Papua and West Papua.

President Joko Widodo was also asked to openly direct security forces involved in operations in Papua to act in accordance with international law and take responsibility for acts of violence there.

“Indonesian police should investigate the deadly violence and arson attacks in Papua in 2019 but not use that as an excuse to crack down on peaceful activists,” said HRW Asia Director Brad Adams, quoted from HRW’s official website. (*)

Mark

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