Chairwoman Hautala today invited Indonesian authorities to discuss with the Subcommittee the investigation into the torture video, the safety of Mr Buchtar Tabuni in detention and the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Yusuf Sapakoly while in prison.[:] 

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
Mr. Patrialis Akbar
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav No. 4-5
Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12950, Indonesia
Fax: +62 21 525 3095

Dear Minister,

I am writing to you to raise an issue that is of great concern to me. I would firstly like to enquire of the progress of the investigation with regards the video, presumably dated 30th of May 2010 at 1:26pm, where Indonesian soldiers can be seen to torture Papuan villagers, speaking in the Lani dialect. I have understood that the incident took place near Tingginambut in Puncak Jaya regency and that the two men who were tortured were Mr Tunaliwor Kiwo, about 50 years of age, and Mr Telangga Gire, 30 years of age.

The international community and the people in Indonesia are expecting to see a credible investigation into these very serious human rights violations and that those responsible will be held accountable. For this reason, I would like to invite your Excellency, on behalf of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, to provide us with information on the situation with regards the investigation and delivery of justice.

On another matter, I would like to bring to your attention the case of Mr Buchtar Tabuni, chair of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), whom I fear might be at risk of torture since he has reportedly been moved to an isolation cell at the Jayapura police station in Papua province on 7th of January. I have understood that he was transferred having been accused of provoking riots in the prison facility, but Amnesty International has reported that this allegation is in contrast with reliable sources. My alarm over the situation of Mr Tabuni is ever more increased due to the fact that the Criminal Procedure Code of Indonesia does not explicitly prohibit the use in court proceedings of confessions obtained as a result of torture. I furthermore recall that Mr Tabuni remains to be accused with any internationally recognised criminal offence, in which case he should be promptly released.

Lastly, I would like to receive any information concerning whether the Government intends to initiate an effective and impartial inquiry into the death of Mr Yusuf Sapakoly in Nania prison in Ambon on 13th of September. He was arrested on 29th of June in 2007 for assisting peaceful political activists in Maluku province and charged with rebellion. I have received reports according to which Mr Sapakov would have been constantly denied access to medical care while in custody of the state. I have understood that prior to his death, he was allegedly also tortured. Should such inquiry have commenced, I would be grateful to receive information of its progress.

Yours,

Heidi Hautala

Chairwoman of European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights