Indonesian Embassy Stormed
FreeWP | 09.10.2002 09:52
The Indonesian embassy in London was forcefully entered today in a protest against the country’s continued occupation of West Papua.
Press Release
Place: Indonesian Embassy, 38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW
Time: 10.00am
Contact: John – 07866 803 594
Indonesian Embassy Stormed
The Indonesian embassy in London was forcefully entered today in a protest against the country’s continued occupation of West Papua. Campaigners, who locked themselves to the premises, are demanding the Indonesian government cease their colonialist campaign in West Papua, which has killed an estimated 100,000 indigenous people . The flag flying from the embassy’s balcony was also changed to the ‘Morning Star’, the national flag of West Papua and outlawed by the Indonesian regime.
West Papua, an area rich in natural resources, was invaded by Indonesia in 1962 and officially annexed following a fraudulent referendum in 1969 . The Indonesian occupation has opened the way for the exploitation of the area by foreign mining and logging companies, such as the British based firm Rio Tinto plc, involved in the giant Freeport copper and gold mine. The mine makes a profit of $1million a day but the West Papuans have not been properly compensated for their forced resettlement or for the 280,000 tonnes of untreated tailings dumped into their river systems daily.
The human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate. The recent arrest of Benny Wenda, a well-known West Papuan independence leader, provides for further alarm, he has been held for three months without trial and an assassination attempt was recently made on his life. The campaigners are demanding his immediate release as a first step in fulfilling Indonesia’s pledge to abide by international human rights standards.
“The Indonesian occupation has meant nothing but disaster and death for West Papua,” says one of the campaigners who entered the embassy. “Actions like today’s will become more frequent if they do not take steps to reign in their military and allow the West Papuans the right to self-determination.”
A protest also took place outside the embassy where protesters distributed flyers and held a large banner reading “Free West Papua”.
For interviews from the inside: John 07866 803 594
Place: Indonesian Embassy, 38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW
Time: 10.00am
Contact: John – 07866 803 594
Indonesian Embassy Stormed
The Indonesian embassy in London was forcefully entered today in a protest against the country’s continued occupation of West Papua. Campaigners, who locked themselves to the premises, are demanding the Indonesian government cease their colonialist campaign in West Papua, which has killed an estimated 100,000 indigenous people . The flag flying from the embassy’s balcony was also changed to the ‘Morning Star’, the national flag of West Papua and outlawed by the Indonesian regime.
West Papua, an area rich in natural resources, was invaded by Indonesia in 1962 and officially annexed following a fraudulent referendum in 1969 . The Indonesian occupation has opened the way for the exploitation of the area by foreign mining and logging companies, such as the British based firm Rio Tinto plc, involved in the giant Freeport copper and gold mine. The mine makes a profit of $1million a day but the West Papuans have not been properly compensated for their forced resettlement or for the 280,000 tonnes of untreated tailings dumped into their river systems daily.
The human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate. The recent arrest of Benny Wenda, a well-known West Papuan independence leader, provides for further alarm, he has been held for three months without trial and an assassination attempt was recently made on his life. The campaigners are demanding his immediate release as a first step in fulfilling Indonesia’s pledge to abide by international human rights standards.
“The Indonesian occupation has meant nothing but disaster and death for West Papua,” says one of the campaigners who entered the embassy. “Actions like today’s will become more frequent if they do not take steps to reign in their military and allow the West Papuans the right to self-determination.”
A protest also took place outside the embassy where protesters distributed flyers and held a large banner reading “Free West Papua”.
For interviews from the inside: John 07866 803 594
FreeWP
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Embassy Update
09.10.2002 10:35
There are still people outside the embassy with banners etc.
Well done to all involved!
Chairman Miaow
Way to go!
09.10.2002 12:37
Can someone update on developments, and on the fate of the arrested when details are known?
excitable revolutionist
Indonesia's Regime was as bad as Saddams!
09.10.2002 20:30
People should also picket West End Central police station where these people are being held aas well! If Britain arrests human rights activists then it also has a brutal oppresive regime!!!!
Harlequin
update
10.10.2002 18:38
more updates as they come in the furture.
well done people.
acrobat