Dear friends of West Papua


In this update we bring you news of the recent launch of
International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP), news updates on the
trials of Sebby Sambom and Buchtar Tabuni, and confirmation of the
next date for our twice monthly demonstrations outside the
Indonesian Embassy.



*** LATEST NEWS FROM WEST PAPUA ***


-Last week Indonesian authorities expelled the 'International
Committee of the Red Cross' from West Papua. In addition to this
there has been a massive increase in military numbers being sent to
West Papua in recent weeks, raising fears that Indonesia are
planning further widespread sweeping operations against the
indigenous population. (*please contact your local member of
Parliament to express your deep concern at these developments*)



-The trial of Sebby Sambom started earlier today (6th May) in
Jayapura. He faces a 20 year jail sentence for his part in a
peaceful demonstration held in Jayapura last October in support of
the launch of International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP).
In January, Sebby was denied food and water for over 3 days whilst
in custody, and has been badly tortured during interrogation by the
police.



-The trial of Buchtar Tabuni is still ongoing. He is also on trial
for his part in the peaceful demonstration supporting IPWP. Last
month Buchtar was bound and beaten by police and court officials in
Jayapura court house after asking to speak with his legal team
before proceedings began.

-Over 10,000 people took to the streets of Nabire to show their
support for the launch of 'International Lawyers for West Papua',
with similar gatherings reported across the rest of the country.
Indonesian military opened fire on the peaceful procession, killing
several people and wounding many others including a 7 year old boy.



*** LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS FOR WEST PAPUA ***


West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda recently returned to the
UK after spending 3 weeks in South America and the Caribbean region
for the launch of International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP).

The launch took place in Guyana, South America. In 1969 Guyana
supported West Papua's right to self-determination, and at the
launch Government ministers re-affirmed their country's support for
West Papuan self-determination. A number of international lawyers
led by Melinda Janki also gathered for the launch. In Guyana, Benny
Wenda also met with the British Consulate.

Following this, Benny travelled to Trinidad and Barbados where he
undertook meetings with Government officials from across the
Caribbean region, developing support for both ILWP and IPWP. He also
gave a guest lecture to university students at West Indies
University in Barbados, telling them about the plight of the West
Papuan people.

A new website for ILWP has just launched ( www.ilwp.org). We are
happy to announce that there will be a further launch for
International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP), taking place
in the European Parliament this September.



*** THE LANI SINGERS ***


Benny and Maria Wenda of the Free West Papua Campaign perform
traditional music as the Lani Singers, spreading awareness of the
plight of the West Papuan people and their desire to be free.

A new website has recently been launched for the Lani Singers
(www.thelanisingers.com). As well as indepth information about them,
you can also listen again to their previous interviews and sessions
on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio London.

This summer they will be performing at events including the Port
Eliot Festival in Cornwall and the Tribal Film Festival in Czech
Republic (where there will also be a launch of the Czech 'Free West
Papua Campaign').



*** INDONESIAN EMBASSY DEMO ***


We will be holding our next demonstration outside the Indonesian
Embassy in London next Thursday, 14th May from 12 till 3pm. Please
come and join us at Grosvenor Square, London, WC2.

If you are unable to attend please take the time to call the embassy
to express your concern at their continuing military buildup in West
Papua, and reminding them of their obligations to abide by
international human rights laws. The embassy phone number is +44(0)
2074997661



On behalf of everyone in West Papua, thank you so much for your
continued support for our struggle. This is a very important time in
West Papuan history.

Please continue to help us in whatever way you can; be it by coming
to an event, sending a letter to your local member of parliament or
media organisation, or just telling your friends about what is
happening in our homeland. Anything that you can do to help spread
awareness will help. At the bottom of this email is a contact list
for various media organisations - please urge them to follow the
lead of the BBC in reporting on the events in West Papua. There are
also contact details for various bodies of the Indonesian government



West Papua. One People. One Soul