6 Papuan Activists Face Life Imprisonment after August Protest
Translator
Editor
20 December 2019 09:07 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Six Papuan activists who protested in front of Jakarta's Army Main Headquarters and State Palace on August 18-28, 2019, are charged for treason and face 20 years to life imprisonment from the Central Jakarta District Court.
Public Prosecutor P. Permana read out the charges on Thursday’s court trial; “The defendants collectively participated in treason with intent to break apart from Indonesia or let it fall on the hands of state enemies.”
The six activists from Papua are charged with Article 106 of the Criminal Code (KUHP). The defendants are Paulus Suryanta Ginting, Charles Kossay, Ambrosius Mulait, Isay Wenda, Nes Tabuni and Arina Elopere.
The street protest, which consisted of roughly 100 people, back in August voiced out against racism and also called for the government to hold a Papua referendum and independence.
The most incriminating act committed by the Papuan activists according to the prosecutor was when the demonstrators carried the Bintang Kejora flag along with similar rebellious symbols painted across their bodies.
LANI DIANA WIJAYA
