Kris Fathoni W, Jakarta – After holding a long-march from the State Palace, West Papuan protesters demonstrated at the Central Jakarta State Court demanding that the defendants in the 2002 Timika shooting case be released.

The action was held by some 50 activists from the United West Papua Popular Struggle Front (Pepera) in front of the courthouse on Jl. Gajah Mada in Central Jakarta on Tuesday August 29. The hearing had scheduled the reading of a preliminary verdict at 11.25am but this had not taken place yet.

The protesters gave speeches demanding that Reverend Isak Onawame be released unconditionally. Banners were brought to the demonstration reading “Release Reverend Isak Onawame unconditionally” and “Close Freeport” as well as a flag with a picture of a lion.

The defendants in the case are Hardi Sugumol, Agustinus Anggaibak, Yohanes Kasemol, Yulianus Deikme, Yairus Kiwak, Reverend Isak Onawame and Antonius Wamang. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]