7 Aug 2012

West Papuan activist celebrates removal from Interpol wanted list

1:07 pm on 7 August 2012

The leader of the Free West Papua Movement is celebrating his removal from an international wanted list.

Last year Benny Wenda was issued with an Interpol red notice, which put him at risk of arrest and extradition from Britain where he's been living under asylum for nine years.

The Indonesian authorities have said they want him to stand trial for murder and arson, charges Mr Wenda denies, and Interpol has decided the case against him is political.

Mr Wenda says the decision is the start of justice for his country.

"Indonesia trying to against me through the blogs and in media, even through the news media, trying to stigmatise myself as a criminal or terrorist or whatever, but now, a truth is coming out and the world is watching and Indonesia will know who is really lying, me or Indonesia."

Benny Wenda says he believes international pressure on Indonesia will increase as a result of the Interpol decision.