Letter to the editor: Canadian activist clarifies
The Jakarta Post | Opinion | Thu, December 19 2013, 11:40 AM
On Dec. 16, 2013, I visited Abepura Penitentiary in West Papua to deliver postcards and video bearing messages of support and solidarity to West Papuan political prisoners.
The messages were collected throughout the "Pedaling for Papua" campaign, during which I rode my bicycle 12,000 kilometers through 7 countries raising awareness about human rights issues and political imprisonment in West Papua.
On Dec. 16, The Jakarta Post wrote an article about the action at Abepura Penitentiary. I was appalled to see how this article explicitly mischaracterizes both me and the action. I am misquoted as having said, regarding the political prisoners I met that day, "They are healthy and have no problems. I'm sure that officers in the prison have treated them well."
While it was indeed the case that the prisoners I met that day, who included West Papua National Committee (KNPB) general secretary Victor Yeimo, Amnesty International prisoner of conscience Filep Karma and President of the Federated Republic of West Papua Forkorus Yaboisembut, were in good spirits, the situation of them and their colleagues at this prison and other prisons is anything but "free from problems".
Yeimo had been severely beaten with rattan canes upon his arrest and is currently serving a sentence three times longer than was originally reported by his lawyers.
Filep required a lengthy and difficult campaign by Amnesty International and other NGOs to receive critical medical care. Forkorus, at 57-years-old, was kicked and beaten after being arrested for peaceful actions in 2011. All of these men, along with the dozens of others at the prison and elsewhere, are in jail for peaceful protest, raising flags and speaking openly about their political beliefs.
The article is an insult and offense to these men, as well as all those who risked arrest and deportation to make this action happen. It is also damaging to the efforts made by Papuans Behind Bars, the "Pedaling for Papua" campaign and many other organizations and individuals who stand in solidarity with West Papuans.
Jeremy Bally
Pedaling for Papua Campaign
Jakarta
Note: Thank you for your clarification.
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