Indonesia 2015/2016

From Amnesty International:

Security forces faced allegations of human rights violations, including the use of unnecessary or excessive force. Arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters, especially in Papua, occurred throughout the year. The government restricted activities marking the 50th anniversary of the serious human rights violations of 1965-1966. Harassment, intimidation and attacks against religious minorities occurred throughout the country.

According to organization such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders, human rights concerns in the Papua region of Indonesia include:

• Police and security forces: Reports continued of human rights violations by police and military, including unlawful killings, unnecessary and excessive use of force, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Freedom of expression: The arrest and detention of peaceful activists also continued in Papua and West Papua provinces.
• Free press and media: The Indonesian government continues to restrict press and media access to Papua and West Papua, creating an "information black hole."
• Freedom of religion and belief: Christian churches, Muslim places of worship, and places of worship for indigenous beliefs have been attacked within the last year.

Ms. Gartley and Octo Mote demonstrating on behalf of Filep Karma outside the Indonesian Mission the U.N. in New York in 2012.

Filep Karma spent a decade in prison for participating in a peaceful flag raising ceremony and delivering a speech in December 2004. He was finally released in fall 2015.