Derek Wall leads 'Free West Papua Campaign' anniversary event on Westminster Bridge
01 July 2008
Green Party Principal Speaker Dr. Derek Wall and former political prisoner and West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda will join supporters of the UK based Free West Papua Campaign on Saturday (5th July) to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the Biak massacre.
12 Noon on the 5th will see Dr. Wall and supporters drop flowers into the River Thames from Westminster Bridge in an ancient Papuan ceremony to remember their fellow countrymen murdered by the Indonesian army.
Dr Derek Wall said
"West Papuans are fighting for freedom. They are the true ecologists, the protectors of the rainforests of Papua. Yet the Indonesian occupation of West Papua has led to the death of many people, the destruction of the forests and the repression of civil liberties.
"I am proud to be able to speak, once again, in support of Benny Wenda and the rest of the Free West Papua movement in their brave and vital struggle for independence and democracy."
Following the ceremony on Westminster Bridge (12 noon to 1.00pm) at 2.00pm, Benny Wenda, Derek Wall and supporters of Free West Papua (UK) will lay a WREATH outside the Indonesian Embassy, 38, Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2HW
ENDS
For interviews, please contact Richard Samuelson,
Co-Director, Free West Papua Campaign, Oxford, UK.
Tel: 07891 235112
E-mail: samoxen@dsl.pipex.com
www.freewestpapua.org
