Thank you for signing ETAN's petition opposing the Appeal to Conscience Foundation's award to Indonesia's President SBY. While he did come to New York and did get the award (handed to him by no less a war criminal than Henry Kissinger) - we and you did succeed in contributing to the controversy surrounding the ceremony. At our demonstration outside the hotel, we spoke to Indonesian and other media. We learned that ticket sales were so slow that Indonesian students on the U.S. east coast were offered $100 to attend the ceremony. We were also told that the Indonesian Foreign Ministry blamed the churches under siege, Human Rights Watch and ETAN for the controversy.

All we did - with your help - was respond to calls for support from Indonesia to highlight President SBY's abysmal record. Meanwhile, the controversy continues. With each new violation of religious and human rights, groups in Indonesia draw attention to the President's unworthiness to be honored by a foundation that purports to support religious tolerance and human rights.

We are now writing to ask you support another appeal from the region. This time our petition supports Audryne Karma's demand that President SBY unconditionally free her father and other West Papuan political prisoners.

Please Support Audryne Karma's appeal: Sign the petition here

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono:
Free West Papua Political Prisoners - A Plea from the Daughter of Filep Karma

Papua Political Prisioner Filep Karma with his daughter Audryne"Tomorrow Father will go to raise a flag and will make a brief speech in Abepura Trikora square. Both of you take care. If I am arrested by the police do not worry, do not visit Father at the police station. Just stay home and go to school as usual. The Lord Jesus protects us all."

Those were my father’s last words before he was arrested.

My name is Audryne Karma, the older daughter of Filep Karma, a Papuan political prisoner. My father is an alumnus of Universitas Sebelas Maret in Solo. He married mama, a Malay-Javanese in 1986. They have two children, me and, my younger sister Andrefina Karma.



There are more than 70 political prisoners in Papua. Like my father, they voice their political aspirations peacefully, without violence. I implore President SBY to instruct the government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners in Papua.


In 1998 my father started advocating for the independence of West Papua from Indonesia through peaceful means. On 2 July, he led the pro-independence West Papua and raised the Morning Star flag in our original region, Biak, Papua. For three days the flag was displayed and Father made speeches. On July 6, the Indonesian military attacked the peaceful protesters. More than 100 protesters were killed, and several are still missing. My father was shot in both legs when he was praying at the scene. Indonesian authorities failed to conduct an in-depth investigation and have yet to acknowledge the “Biak Massacre” 15 years ago. My father was sentenced by the Indonesian court to 6 years in prison. However, two years later he was released when Gus Dur became president in 2000.

On December 1, 2004, my father and some friends gathered peacefully to commemorate the promised of independence for Papua, and the Morning Star was raised again. The police responded by beating and shooting the people who came. Approximately four people were injured, including my father. For this case, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of "treason.

My father’s case received widespread attention from Indonesian and international human rights organizations. He is considered a prisoner of conscience because of his human rights activism on behalf of Papuans, who continue to experience discrimination, racism and persecution.

In September 2011, a UN delegation, the “Working Group on Arbitrary Detention,” investigated my father’s case and declared that he did not get a fair trial and that my father is a political prisoner. They urged the Indonesian government to immediately and unconditionally release my father. However, the government denied the existence of political prisoners in Indonesia until to date. My father’s case was further discussed in the Universal Periodic Review session of the United Nations in Geneva, in May 2012. Dozens of countries recommended release of political prisoners in Indonesia. Once again, the Indonesian government rejected the recommendation of the UN and denied the existence of political prisoners.

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During his years in the Abepura prison in Jayapura West Papua, my father has several times suffered severe health problems, ranging from his weight dropping from 60 kilograms to 49 kilograms (132 pounds to108 pounds) due to poor sanitation and malnutrition in the prisons. He had severe prostate pain and chronic inflammation of the colon. We did not have much money for his medical expenses. The Indonesian government was not even willing to cover the cost of travel to a hospital and of the needed treatment. Nevertheless, many individuals and international organizations who sympathize with my father gave support to cover the costs if the Indonesian authorities allowed travel and treatment.

As the daughter of Filep Karma, I am saddened and disappointed at the government for the severe punishment imposed on my father. Our family suffers psychological pain caused by his imprisonment. To date there are more than 70 political prisoners in Papua. Like my father, they voice their political aspirations peacefully, without violence. As an Indonesian citizen, who is legally free to voice opinions, I implore President SBY to instruct the government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners in Papua.

Sign the petition here

The original Bahasa Indonesia version of the petition is here

Additional Background

For information about Filep Karma and other West Papuan political prisoners see Papuans Behind Bars

Read the monthly West Papua Report

 

Supporters

Reasons for signing

 

Supporters
Reasons for signing

Pam Sexton WATSONVILLE, CA
about 5 hours ago


The intimidation, violence, and overall oppression have gone on far too long in West Papua. Release all political prisoners now! The world is watching and waiting.

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Alistair McKee WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
about 8 hours ago


Ever since I worked from Kobakma kampong in the West Papual Highlands in 1971 for P.T.Kennecott Indonesia ((and in South Sumatra for the same in 1970), I have educated a strong concern for the wonderful Indonesian and West Papuan people who are dominated by a regime of impunity for abuse. Abuse thrives in secrecy, but now the world knows about the racist plunder of the beautiful land of the Morning Star. Freedom is coming to West Papua, proclaimed Land of Peace. Merdeka!

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Robyn Jebson QUEENSTOWN, TIMOR-LESTE
about 8 hours ago


All citizens should be allowed to protest peacefully

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Robert Luttrell AUSTRALIA
about 10 hours ago


Because Papua is Papua, not Indonesia. Just have a look at the people. Do they look Indonesian?! They left East Timor but are still continuing their raping, pillaging and plundering in Papua.

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Alex Cooney DUBLIN, IRELAND
about 10 hours ago


Everybody deserves a fair trial and humane treatment in prison. This man should be freed

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Louise Cook-Tonkin AUSTRALIA
about 13 hours ago


Genocide is what is happening in West Papua. Australian political leaders should stand up to Indonesia and name the repression for what it is.

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Sadie Nourallahi SAN JOSE, CA
about 17 hours ago


for humanity

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Dierk von Behrens WEETANGERA, AUSTRALIA
about 18 hours ago


Incarceration for the peaceful expression of a political opinion is totally abhorrent to me and should be condemned, irrespective of the nature of the peaceful opinion that is expressed. Hence my support for this petition.

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Gracia Eugenia Albino AUSTRALIA
1 day ago


They deserve a freedom, just like everyone else craving for

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Pamela Farey AUSTRALIA
1 day ago


It's about peoples rights.
Anne Jaques AUSTRALIA
1 day ago


It is important that Filep Karma and all other prisoners jailed for long sentences for flying the West Papuan flag in their own country be freed. This minor display of national pride does not deserve such terrible punishment. If this man is unwell it is encumbent on his gaolers to seek appropriate medical care for him -

this is in accordance with international ethical treatment of prisoners, whatever the reason for their incarceration. West Papuans are being killed or jailed for the slightest offences -

but I do not call them offences. They have been cowered in their own country by Indonesian politicians, police and big and dirty business who have taken over West Papua in a huge land grab. The world knows what the Indonesian government are doing in West Papua. It has a name -

it is genocide.

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Mark Robbins LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
1 day ago


I work for the Free Filep Karma campaign in the UK

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Lauren Harris DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
1 day ago


Peace and human rights is essential to any move forward. Political prisoners are not right.

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Mark Rothe NEW YORK, NY
2 days ago


El pueblo es el MAS importante!

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Meli Hadjo KUPANG, INDONESIA
2 days ago


Saya percaya, Audryne Karma adalah orang yang perlu saya dukung karena ayahnya melakukan hal yang benar.

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Rui Soares DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
2 days ago


As a human beings we should not forget those who seeking for freedom. West Papuan is our brothers and sisters, so they deserve to have their freedom as we are and the rest of the world.

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Sheila Boston DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
2 days ago


Because everybody should have the right to freedom of speech.

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John Donnelly AUSTRALIA
2 days ago


I know refugees from West Papua

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Angela Naumann AUSTRALIA
2 days ago


human rights

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shanta martin LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
2 days ago


For all those who think that Mandela was the only great leader willing to sacrifice his own freedom for a cry to freedom of his people, I say look to West Papua.

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Santon Tekege INDONESIA
3 days ago


I agree Free West Papua

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Sonja Graetz BRISBANE (FORMERLY MURRAY BRIDGE!), AUSTRALIA
3 days ago


Because the right to peacefully protest and to participate in the democratic functioning of one's own country is a fundamental human right in my opinion.

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elliot stokes MADISON, WI
3 days ago


Human rights and the right to peaceful free expression is a legitimate form of protest. Violence towards those who express peaceful protest should be exposed and criticized.

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B Mairlow GLOUCESTER, UNITED KINGDOM
3 days ago


Supporter of victims of human rights abuse

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Riano de jesus 8866, TIMOR-LESTE
3 days ago


Indonesian government must free them because that is their right to free their country from Indonesian colonism

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Yermias Degei INDONESIA
3 days ago


To:

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia

cc: John M. Miller, ETAN

Free West Papua Political Prisoners,

I support the appeal of Audryne Karma, daughter of West Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma, that you to instruct the government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners in West Papua.

Sincerely,

[Yermias Degei]

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feri asnofi INDONESIA
3 days ago


Expansion of knowledge

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Jacquelyn Reeves NEW ZEALAND, NEW ZEALAND
3 days ago


It is inhumane to imprison people standing up for the rights of the people of their country, I implore the Indonesian Government to release all political prisoners.

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Alpheus Wenda AUSTRALIA
3 days ago


Human justice and innocence people of West Papua have to release them from the imprisonment under Indonesian rules of injustice.

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jean-bernard parr CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM
3 days ago


indonesia lied about TL and now they are lying about W Papua

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Leonie Hegvold ALBION, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


Democracy must be based on freedoms, especially freedom of speech even if we don't like what we hear sometimess.

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Greg Fergus LOGAN CENTRAL, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


There seems to be a misunderstanding of the term 'Political Prisoner'. The President appears to deem the 'prisons' as enemies of the state whereas the President could release them and then gauge their activity as an effective measure of his rule over the country.

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Carol Payne DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
4 days ago


I see the human devastation in Timor Leste, it must be just as bad in West Papua

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John Kee BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


In the pursuit of peace and justice, we need to help one another. With enough support, we can make a difference to the lives of others.

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Maree Klemm EAST BRISBANE QLD AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


Filip Karma and those who seek to fully access all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration ofthe Rights of Indigenous Peoples, should be treated humanely and in accordance with international law and ethical standards

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Susan Giblin AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere (Martin Luther King Jr, Letter from Birmingham Jail).

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Karen Read NORTH ROCKS, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


All peoples should be entitled to justice and humane treatment.

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John Chandler ATHELSTONE, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


My wife is Ambonese. We have at least one relative who is a political prisoner in Ambon for helping to raise the free South Maluku flag 3 years ago. He should be freed along with many others. Please treat my name as confidential, we fear repercussions.

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Ronald E. Westerbeek ALTE, PORTUGAL
4 days ago


I had the honor to strive for the independence of West-Irian in the sixties. The Papua-people are of a kind that every great leader would be proud of, no matter what. This is a good time to set them home to their loved ones and family. I am convinced that the Indonesian people will admire this great gesture, as many of us who wish the native people in the Indonesian archipel all the best in wisdom and peace. Respect.

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Peter van Leijen HENGELO, NETHERLANDS
4 days ago


Because Peter Kamarea is a good friend.

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ulrike masakowski NEW ORLEANS, LA
4 days ago


I believe in the right to freedom of all people

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Rod Spearer NEWTOWN, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


I think too highly of Susilo

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Renate Eppelein GERMANY
4 days ago


Because I grew up in Papua NewGuinea

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Michele Madigan AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


this is a tragic situation of a man with a family imprisoned for so long trying to be a voice for the voiceless. Indonesia needs to free him and other political prisoners to be respected in international circles and among their own people.

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Elsham Papua INDONESIA
4 days ago


Because freedeom expresion in our democracy country

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Hans Zevenbergen MIDDELBURG, NETHERLANDS
4 days ago


In my opinion the rights of these people are ignored. Meanwhile they are the rightful owners of their country. This issue has to come at the international agenda of the UN. Indonesia has to withdraw themselves out of Irian.

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Peter CRUICE AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


Indonesia should NOT do the same as they did in East Timor

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Kerstin Krause GERMANY
4 days ago


For the right to say your opinion whereever in the world you live.

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Silvanio Araujo DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
4 days ago


It's important because of the dignity of the human being,,,Free people to make the violence it's not good but free people from struggle it's important,,,,

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Nick Varna LA, CA
4 days ago


Indonesian are historical tortures of peoplw

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marino Berghout GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS
4 days ago


people should have the democratic right to express their opinion and not obstructed or imprisoned for them

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Dr David Taylor BRUNSWICK WEST VIC, AUSTRALIA
4 days ago


Political prisoners inevitably create black mark against the international reputation of any country. Particularly where trade and assistance are concerned.

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Kay Boulden COOTHARABA, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


We must support those brave women and men who sacrifice their lives to win independence and respect for their people. Their courage underpins the freedom and dignity of us all. Indonesians suffered to secure their own independence; shame on the Indonesian government for brutally withholding it from their neighbours. Timor Leste should have made it clear that they can drag the process of unlawful occupation and suppression of human rights out, but that they can never win.

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Angela Smith PERU, IL
5 days ago


West Papuans are suffering gross human rights violations at the hands of the Indonesian government. This must stop. Free West Papua!

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Elisabeth Johnson EVERETT, WA
5 days ago


I lived in PNG for 15 yrs during the time that Indonesia was "given" Dutch New Guinea in a political move, without input by the nationals.

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Budi Tjia INDONESIA
5 days ago


Democracy in this country is dying

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Nora Lindstrom VANDA, FINLAND
5 days ago


Because raising a flag is not crime. Free West Papua!

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Rachmi Larasati MINNEAPOLIS, MN
5 days ago


against humanity

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victoria smith LILYFIELD, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


These people have lived through hell -

they deserve human rights not imprisonment.

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Marcus Brandt STILLWATER, MN
5 days ago


I was born in Madang , New Guinea...

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Colin Pearson AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


Have seen the result of Indonesia being in East Timor and would not like the same to happen in West Papua

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Rochelle Humphrey MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


To uphold human rights

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David Manetiva HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS
5 days ago


Democracy prevails

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john rawson SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


papuans are highly disadvantaged in every way

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Norris E Nordin WINNIPEG, MB R3B3J7, CANADA
5 days ago


Indonesia has for far too long endeavored to occupy and possess Papua New Guinea, and by doing so committed acts of violence against the people o Papua. In doing so, it has become a rogue state, losing respect by nations throughout the world. Stay out of Papua New Guinea. You have no rights there!

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Jenny Toso PAHIATUA, NEW ZEALAND
5 days ago


I lived in the East Sepik, we heard storties from people who came over the border seeking sanctuary from what sounded like genocide. These political prisoners are trying to expose the truth and do something about it and deserve international protection

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jenna skinner AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


Its a violation of human rights.

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Peter Murphy SURRY HILLS, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


freedom is indivisible

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Patrick Simons ABBOTSFORD, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


It is important to support attempts by minority groups to assert their own freedoms and self-determination in a world where larger states ruthlessly crack down on those challenging the status quo. The persecution of all West Papuan peoples by the Indonesian state has gone on too long, and will one day be regretted by the nation when they realise what they have done.

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Melinda Janki LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
5 days ago


Filep Karma is a man of great courage and integrity. We cannot be truly free until Filep Karma is also free.

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Jakob Schmidt STONY BROOK, NY
5 days ago


Because I admire Filep Karma and others who struggle for their country with peaceful means

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Esmerelda Moksha BRIGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM
5 days ago


Filep KArma has amazing strength and integrity. He nees to be freed for his own well being and as a symbol of hope for West Papuans who are struggling everyday to survive and live as they choose to.

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Ronald Perry AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


Having spent time in Timor Leste, I know what independance can mean to a people.

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Stacey Hitchcock DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
5 days ago


because the people of Papua deserve to have their independence, especially because of the horrors they have endured under the indonesian government

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Helen Dalton VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


Justice

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Jacob Gala MAMAKAIVO, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
5 days ago


Because i want west papua to be free and as intended

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Annelies Varsey AYLESBURY, UNITED KINGDOM
5 days ago


It is inhuman and cruel to keep Filep Karma in prison and it is high time that he and other political prisoners are freed!

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Silpa Kamenz GERMANY
5 days ago


Only freedom deep in my heart can make us real love eachother.

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Kimberly Julien VANCOUVER, CANADA
5 days ago


I am 1/2 Papuan and I believe West Papua should be its own nation.

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Ashley Bell WILSTON, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


West Papua political prisoners deserve their freedom. I invite you to read and sign this petition. Peace. x

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clark McClafferty DORRIGO, AUSTRALIA
5 days ago


because I AM HUMAN BEING! JUST LIKE THE INDIGENOUS WEST PAPUANS!

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Johan Hennige ALICANTE, SPAIN
5 days ago


Because free men have the indisputable right to express himself freely.

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R. Miles Mendenhall FORESTVILLE, CA
5 days ago


Torturing a man by neglect in prison, for standing up for his rights, is terribly wrong.

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Christina Albers NEW ORLEANS, LA
5 days ago


I have friends from Indonesia who have alerted me to this important issue.

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ko shin Bob Hanson NESHKORO, WI
5 days ago


for the justice for all beings. All spiritual paths are equal!

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Haji Muhammad Saeed Arian Saeed LAHORE, PAKISTAN
5 days ago


we should respect the Fundamental Rights and demanded to release all innocent political prisoners

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Douglas Raybeck AMHERST, MA
5 days ago


No peaceful protest should incur jail time. Your actions are at odds with international conventions. Further, your actions can no longer be hidden from the international media and you may expect some undesirable repercussions.

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Chris P. van der Klauw SINT-OEDENRODE, NETHERLANDS
5 days ago


In a democratic country people should be able to speak freely. They should have the right to pronounce their opinion. Filep Karma did nothing else than coming up for the right of the Papua's to be independent. Papuans have the right to self-determination. They have the right to assert their independence. They have the right to stand up against their oppressors.

Indonesia is no more than a neo-colonialist who does what they themselves rebelled against: colonial rule. SBY unconditionally free Filep Karma and other West Papuan political prisoners. Let that be your most historical fact in your curriculum vitae. Show that you're a real stateman.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------nbsp; thomas kozlovsky MADISON, WI
5 days ago


the right of people to choose independence is what freedon is about. all countries stold land and declared a state of other people.

 

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Robert Assenberg HEERENVEEN, NETHERLANDS
5 days ago


Indonesia offends human rights constantly since 1950