Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage - Indonesia

On 26 May 2005 former government civil servant Filep Karma and student Yusak Pakage were sentenced to 15 and 10 years' imprisonment respectively, after being found guilty of treason. They were tried in Jayapura on charges of rebellion and expressing hostility or hatred towards the state.

The charges relate to their participation in a peaceful ceremony in Abepura, Papua province, on 1 December 2004, when the Morning Star flag, a symbol of Papuan independence, was raised in commemoration of the declaration of Papuan independence in 1962. Around 200 people took part in the ceremony, and hundreds more local people watched from the edge of the fields.

When the flag was raised, police advanced on the crowd, firing warning shots and beating people with batons. At least four people were reportedly injured by bullets fired by the police. Filep Karma was arrested at the site of the ceremony. He was reportedly beaten and stepped on by police officers during transportation to the police station. A group of about 20 people were later arrested at the police station when they went to protest over Filep Karma's arrest. This group was subsequently released, except for Yusak Pakage, who remained in detention with Filep Karma. Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage staged hunger strikes during their pre-trial detention to protest over their ill-treatment and over the legality of the charges against them.

During Filep and Yusak's trial, on 10 May 2005, there were large demonstrations outside the courthouse, protesting against their arrest, detention and trial. The police responded with extreme force, and many people were injured. The then National Police Chief went to Papua after the incident, reportedly to investigate. A senior police officer was dismissed as a result of the incident. However, he did not face criminal charges and there was no formal enquiry into his - or anyone else's - actions on 10 May.

Amnesty International considers Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage to be prisoners of conscience detained for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and is calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

On 26 May 2005 former government civil servant Filep Karma and student Yusak Pakage were sentenced to 15 and 10 years' imprisonment respectively, after being found guilty of treason. They were tried in Jayapura on charges of rebellion and expressing hostility or hatred towards the state.

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