Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of death threats issued against Papuan human rights defender Yan Christian Warinussy, Executive Director of the Institute of Research, Analysis and Development for Legal Aid (LP3BH) in Manokwari, during the months of June and July 2007. Front Line previously expressed concern for Yan Christian Warinussy's personal security on 5 July 2007.
In June 2007, Yan Christian Warinussy met with Ms Hina Jilani, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on the situation of human rights defenders, during her official visit to Indonesia. Since then he has reportedly been subjected to ongoing intimidation and harassment. Furthermore, since 29 July 2007, he has received a number of text messages on his mobile phone linking his work to the separatist movement. On 15 August 2007, Yan Christian Warinussy and his driver were reportedly followed by two individuals in a metallic pink Kijang Avansa car. The vehicle parked outside the office of the Institute for Investigation, Research and Human Rights for a time. One of the individuals in the car was allegedly identified as a detective with the Manokwari Regional Police. The day before, on 14 August 2007, Yan Christian Warinussy had received information from his network that the military apparatus had planned new actions in “tribute” of Indonesian Independence Day (17 August) and that human rights defenders were being targeted in these new actions.
Front Line is concerned that the afore-mentioned events are directly related to Yan Christian Warinussy's work in defence of human rights. Further concern is expressed that they may also be related to an ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in Indonesia, particularly following Hina Jilani's visit to the country in June 2007 when she was informed of human rights abuses in West Papua.
Action Finished:
This Urgent Appeal has now ended. No further action is requested at this point. Thank you for taking action on this case.
Front Line issues Urgent Appeals on behalf of human rights defenders at risk on a daily basis. These Appeals normally remain active on our web site for a period of up to six weeks, depending on the situation. After this time they will be archived. Front Line maintains a watching brief on all these cases but no further action is requested after the six weeks, unless there is a significant development in the case.
