The well documented torture of West Papuan political prisoners by Indonesia is nothing short of barbaric. For over three days at the nortious Abepura Prison in Jayapura, the men in the photo below were refused water and food, and subjected to torture levels that would not be out of place at Guantanamo Bay. The only ‘crime’ these men have committed is to peacefully call for West Papuan independence. It’s a plea echoed throughout the country where every man, woman and child wants freedom. And who are we to deny them this? It’s a right that every colonial person is entitled to under the United Nations charter, and one we must stand by and implement in West Papua.
A lack of early international intervention in the East Timor independence struggle ten years ago resulted in a genocide in which Indonesia slaughtered over half a million people. It’s time for our governments to act now to prevent Indonesia doing the same again in West Papua. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with these people now, otherwise the consequences are unthinkable.

Historic scenes in Westminster, London last week with the launch of International Parliamentarians for West Papua. Led by a group of influential parliamentarians from around the world, the group’s aim is to provide a route towards freedom for the people of West Papua who have suffered terribly under 40 years of Indonesian occupation. Progressive guidelines and targets were set down by the parliamentarians present which will be relayed to other politicians around the world, on the path towards direct action against the illegal and unjust Indonesian occupation.
Papua Merdeka! Free West Papua!