7 Mar 2012

Papua activist face 5-year sentences

11:34 am on 7 March 2012

Indonesian prosecutors are seeking five-year sentences for five pro-independence activists accused of treason in Papua province.

The activists were arrested in October during a Papuan People's Congress in Jayapura.

Troops opened fire and arrested dozens of participants after the activists read out a declaration of independence from Indonesia.

At least three people were killed in the crackdown.

Local and international human rights groups have urged the central government to drop charges against the activists.

The chief prosecutor Julius Teuf said at the hearing in the provincial capital Jayapura that the defendants are guilty of the crime of treason and should be sentenced to five years in prison.