17 Jul 2012

International Parliamentarians speak out for West Papua

4:22 am on 17 July 2012

A group of parliamentarians from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu has condemned what it says is Jakarta's suppression of political activity in the Papua region.

The International Parliamentarians for West Papua say they are concerned at the escalating violence in the region, especially in Wamena and Jayapura.

In an open letter they say they are saddened by the recent murder of independence leader Mako Tabuni.

The MPs also ask that imprisoned activists, including Filep Karma, be freed and charges against them dropped.

The group says it supports West Papua's call for a genuine act of self determination, a right which was not recognised in the controversial 1969 Act of Free Choice.