Dear friends,
Today we received the following fax and a phone call from Mrs
Sahureka. She said that the present situation in the Moluccas is still
intolerable. The people are being attacked on a daily basis. The Javanese
mercenaries have stated that they will massively attack and destroy the
Moluccas (Ambon and the surrounding islands) so that "there will never be a
Christmas again." Indigenous Christians and Muslims alike are being
attacked. The people were delighted to learn that Australians had taken
actions on their behalf -- they said they have a close place in their
hearts for Australians since the Second World War.
Now she asks if we can take further action to assist their case. The fax
follows:
REPOEBLIK MALOEKOE SELATAN
(Republic of South Moluccas)
Poetjoek Pimpinan Party RevoIoessioner SIWA-LIMA
Mrs P. Sahureka, c/- FRONT SIWA-LIMA
Bilderdijkkade 62, 1053 VN Amsterdam Holland.
Phone: 0516-513443
Telefax: 0516-513593
Amsterdam, 19 October 2000.
Dear Friends, PLEASE HELP !
Thank you very much for responding to our appeal of October 1st 2000. in
the case of the 6 Moluccan activists who since September 27th were seeking
refuge in the Swiss embassy in Djakarta. While in the Swiss embassy they
have officially requested for political asylum.
On October 12th we received word that they have suddenly left the embassy
that day at 20 00 hrs local time. Early the next morning (3 p.m. in
Djakarta) I received a distress telephone call from the wife of one of the
political asylum seekers. Her husband has not come home and she has
received no news from or about him.
Later on I was informed that they were being followed after having left the
embassy. They fear for their lives and so decided to hide. Until now we
do not know their exact whereabouts. We have requested from them to get in
touch with us if time and condition permit
The reason for leaving the Swiss embassy so suddenly was due to the
intimidation by the Deputy Ambassador who stated that if they do not leave
the embassy voluntarily they will be removed from the Swiss premises by the
Indonesian police. And the request for political asylum cannot be
considered by the Swiss authorities as long as they remain at the Swiss
embassy. According to him Swiss regulations prescribe a waiting period of
3 to 6 months at lease, from outside the Swiss embassy.
To cut commuication with family and friends the Swiss embassy has
confiscated their mobile telephones. The unfair treatment of the Swiss
embassy has also led to health complaints.
The six Moluccan activists left the embassy in the night of October 12th
for they have chosen to stay out of the hands of the Indonesian
police. They have always stated that they do not trust the
lndonesians. They are convinced that once caught by the Indonesian police
inhuman physical and psychological tortures will mark the rest of their
lives if they stay alive.
It is indeed regrettable that the Swiss embassy fails to comprehend the
seriousness of their refuge in the Swiss embassy and in subtle ways has
forced them to leave this safe harbour into an immediate life threatening
position. The six have chosen Swiss for its neutrality and because
Switzerland is hosting the Human Rights' headquarters. On their behalf I
have already reiterated to the Swiss Government their political asylum, as
requested and signed for while in the Swiss embassy.
All six are now in an immediate life threatening situation. Only the
granting of the political asylum can safeguard their life and future. The
sooner it is, the better for them. Time is running out for them.
Now we need your help much more. Please help to persuade the Swiss
Government to grant them as soon as possible their political asylum. You
can help us by sending your fax or e-mail to:
H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss, Foreign Minister, fax: 00 41 31 32 23 237 email:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
H.E. Mr. W. Weidmer, Counsellor of the Swiss Embassy in Djakarta at fax: 00
62 21 520 2289
Would you please inform us if you have sent a message? We'll keep you
informed.
Hoping we may count on your solidarity, I remain,
Pelpina SAHUREKA
Head Front SIWA-UMA abroad
Foreign Minister R M.S.
_____________________________________
Australian Peace Committee (SA Branch)Inc.
11 South Tce, Adelaide SA 5000 Australia
Ph: (+61-8) 82127138 Fax: (+61-8) 83642291
(within Australia area code = 08)
Web: www.peacecourier.com
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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