Impunity Watch: Oceania

BRIEF: Interim Prime Minister Tries to Establish Political Forum

SUVA, Fiji -- After the Pacific Island Forum's condemnation of Fiji for a lack of progress towards democratic restoration, the interim government has called for a political forum to discuss Fiji's electoral process.  Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who is currently in Singapore on a fact finding mission, called for the nation's politicians to gather to work together for the betterment of Fiji.  Particularly, Bainimarama has appealed to deposed PM Lasenia Qarase to engage in talks in order to tackle of question about Fiji's democracy and to improve their failing economy. 

Qarase told Radio Australia that he has been trying to form a political forum for sometime, but, to date, he has refused to meet with Bainimarama.  He said that he has been trying to establish a political dialog between his SDL party and the interim prime minister for sometime and hopes that the two organizations can come together for the good of all. 

Radio New Zealand International reports that it is the interim government's intention to do away with the electoral system laid down by the constitution.  They said that Fiji must not return to the era of racial discrimination and high levels of political corruption.  Bainimarama also said that deposed leaders should not think that the government will return to pre-December 2006 status. 

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji interim PM appeals to critics co-operation -- 30 April 2008

Radio Australia -- Fiji's interim PM appeals for cooperation -- 30 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji regime says President supports forum on electoral reform -- 30 April 2008

Rebels Behind East Timor Violence Surrender

By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

DILI, East Timor -- Twelve rebels suspected of masterminding the assassination attempts on East Timor’s President and Prime Minister in February, surrendered today after hiding in the jungle for more than two months. President Jose Ramos-Horta has declared the peaceful resolution a turning point in East Timor’s violent history.
Photo courtesy of AFP
The surrender comes after rebels shot and seriously wounded the President on the morning of February 11th. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was also targeted in a separate attack, but escaped unharmed. The President returned to his duties last week after a two month recovery in Darwin, Australia. 

This morning, the twelve, including rebel leader, Gastau Salsinha, and the President’s named shooter, Marcelo Caetano, met with President Horta in an emotional ceremony at the Presidential Palace. Cameras captured a tearful Caetano kiss the President’s hand and ask for forgiveness. In an interview, Salsinha apologized for causing the East Timor people grief. "My men surrendered for the people of this country. ... They are ready to face justice," Salsinha said.

The President has expressed forgiveness, but remains committed to seeing the ends of justice met. “I am happy our sons returned to Dili and surrendered their weapons,” President Horta said. He added, "The truth will be established by the court."

Prime Minister Gusmao praised the Timorese police and military for their efforts in conducting the two month long manhunt in cooperation with other state institutions. This week Australia announced it will withdraw 200 troops from East Timor, in part due to the improvement in security. Although, since the small country gained its independence in 2002, roughly 2,500 foreign troops have remained to help maintain stability.

In 2006, the twelve rebels were a part of some 600 military members who were fired for protesting alleged discrimination. In the bitter dispute, the army divided into factions, causing 37 deaths and forcing 150,000 from their homes. 

President Horta believes today marks an end to the violence that has plagued East Timor since its hard won independence. 

For more information, please see:
Associated Press -- 12 East Timor rebels suspected in attacks surrender -- 29 April 2008

BBC News -- Surrender ends troops' rebellion -- 29 April 2008

Christian Science Monitor -- East Timor rebel leader surrenders -- 29 April 2008

Reuters, UK -- East Timor rebel leader surrenders -- 29 April 2008

The Sydney Morning Herald -- East Timor rebels surrender -- 29 April 2008

TVNZ -- E Timor rebel leader surrenders -- 29 April 2008

Pro-Democracy Candidates Elected: Tonga’s King Urged to Reform

By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

Akilisi Pohiva- Photo courtesy of TVNZ

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga -- Pro-democracy candidates won more than half the available seats in Tonga’s Parliament in Thursday’s elections. The newly elected members are, meanwhile, facing sedition charges for alleged participation in riots that destroyed Tonga’s capital in 2006.

In Tonga’s political system, the people elect nine Parliamentary members, nobles appoint another nine, and the King appoints 15, which include all the country’s ministers.

Of the nine MPs popularly elected, the pro-democracy candidates won six seats. The pro-democracy movement’s leader, Akilisi Pohiva, garnered the most support, winning 11,290 votes. The second most popular candidate attracted some 4,000 fewer votes. Thursday’s election saw a record number of people register, 68,0000, to elect the nine representatives.

"I think the message is clear now. The outcome of the election is like a referendum because the government has been doing its very best, using all its resources, and dominating all the media outlets trying to destroy us, but the battle is over now," Pohiva said.

Thursday’s election is the first since 2006, when the pro-democracy movement turned violent, causing the death of eight and destroying Tonga’s capital city, Nuku’alofa. The riots erupted after the Legislative Assembly of Tonga adjourned for the year without employing promised reforms. Five of the six newly elected candidates, including Pohiva, are currently facing criminal charges for their alleged involvement in the riots. 

One Australian resident, Inoke Fotu Hu'akau, who was unsuccessful in the election warned, "Pro-democracy is getting to be more like a cult than a political party. It is getting harder to counter it as time goes by."

Although Tonga is presently a constitutional monarchy, the growing pro-democracy movement has urged King George Tupou V to make good on his proposed democratic reforms. Among its reforms, the Government has proposed giving the majority of legislative seats, now mostly occupied by the King’s ministers, to popularly elected officials during the 2010 elections.

The King appears willing to support a more democratic Tonga, but the pro-democratic movement wants his commitment in writing. Although the details of the 2010 reforms remain hazy, the people of Tonga have made their preferences for a more representative government abundantly clear.   

For more information, please see:
The Australian -- 'Rioters' poll best in Tonga -- 26 April 2008

TVNZ -- Tongans back democracy campaigners -- 26 April 2008

BBC News --  Tongans elect pro-democracy MPs -- 25 April 2008

ABC Radio Australia -- Tonga MPs call on king to keep promises over political involvement -- 25 April 2008

ABC Radio Australia -- Tong'as pro democracy movement wants King to back political reform -- 25 April 2008

ABC News -- Tongan MPs urge King to lessen political influence -- 25 April 2008

The Sydney Morning Herald -- Tonga pro-democracy MPs claim mandate -- 25 April 2008

BRIEF: Fiji Criticized for Lack of Progress Towards Elections

SUVA, Fiji -- The Pacific Islands Forum-Fiji Joint Working Group on the Situation in Fiji met in Suva this week to discuss the progress that Fiji has made toward restoring democratic election.  At the end of the summit, the Working Group expressed its disappointment that a finalized timetable for democratic election had not yet been completed.  They also noted that Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers should have been able to review these timetable in Cabinet in the second week of April. 

Also of concern to the Working Group was the current lack of a Supervisor of Elections.  New Zealand lawyer Dr. Maurice Coughlan, had been appointed to the position but had resigned only days later.  In the wake of his departure, the Working Group called upon Fiji to find a replace for him and also that the basis for the electoral system generally be changed. 

More positively, the Working Group did acknowledge the Elections Donor Coordination Committee (EDCC) membership's current ability to assist with any technical training or information technology assistance that may be required in the coming elections. 

Speaking after the meeting, Fiji’s interim foreign affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau remained positive about the interim government's prospects for returning Fiji to democratic elections.  Speaking to Fijilive he said, "We have no intention of delaying the elections as perceived by the international community and we promise them that we will have elections in March 2009."

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji regime admonished by Forum group over election timetable issues -- 24 April 2008

Pacific Magazine -- Forum Working Group Concerned By Progress To Election -- 24 April 2008

Solomon Star News -- Supervisor of Elections to be appointed as soon as Possible: Working Group -- 24 April 2008

UPDATE: Rebel Leader Involved in East Timor Assassination Attempts Found

DILI, East Timor -- East Timor police and military located rebel leader, Gastao Salsinha, who is believed to have aided in the assassination attempts on the country’s President and Prime Minister in February. Salsinha says he is planning to surrender but not before his followers join him.

On February 11, rebel soldiers attacked President Horta during his morning walk, shooting him twice in the back. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was also attacked but escaped unharmed. The President returned to his duties last week after a two month recovery in Darwin, Australia.

Salsinha is East Timor’s most wanted man for his involvement in the attacks. After rebel leader Aldredo Reinado was shot and killed during the attack on President Horta, Salsinha took command. Salsinha is currently staying in a house in Ermera district, and says he will remain there until the other rebel members join him.

The UN has reported that Salsinha has met with representatives of the Prosecutor General’s office, FFDTL, military, and a church in the town of Gleno, to discuss the conditions of his surrender.

The recent rebel and gang violence stems from a 2006 incident where 600 military members were fired for protesting alleged discrimination. In the bitter dispute, the army divided into factions, causing 37 deaths and forcing 150,000 from their homes. On Thursday, during a fight between rival martial arts gangs, one member was decapitated, local police detective chief, Rogerio Gueterres said.

President Horta announced on his return that he would renew the country’s efforts to combat the increasing violence and poverty rates.

For more information, please see:
ABC, Radio Australia -- East Timor authorities locate rebel leader -- 25 April 2008

ABC News -- East Timor rebel leader may surrender -- 25 April 2008

Reuters -- Two killed in East Timor gang violence -- 24 April 2008

Life Sentence for Malasebe's Murders

By Ryan L. Maness

Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji -- Justice Nazhat Shameem handed down sentence for the three men convicted of in relation to murder of Tevita Malasebe last June.  Detectives Lole Vulaca and Rusiate Korovusere, who were both convicted of murder, were sentenced to life in prison.   Sergeant Pita Matai, the supervising Sergeant of the Vulaca and Korovusere, was convicted of being an accessory to murder and was sentenced to two years in prison. 

When handing down sentence, Justice Shameem noted that Matai's actions on behalf of his men had frustrated the evidentiary investigation into Malasebe's death.  Because of that interference she said, "Perhaps, we will never know who inflicted the terrible injuries on Malasebe in the Crime Office (at Valelevu Police Station)."

The sentencing was welcomed by the Citizens Constitutional Forum.  Reverend Akuila Yabaki, the Chief Executive Officer of the CCF, said that he was glad that the sentences were handed down, but was disappointed that those people who were responsible for protecting the people had taken advantage of a helpless citizen, costing that citizen his life.  He also said that the National Council for Building a Better Fiji should seriously look at the role of disciplinary forces in Fiji and that measures should be taken to cure any deficiencies in the charter process.

For her part, Malasebe's mother was less satisfied by the results of the trial.  While she said that she had forgiven the families of her son's murders, she also said that she believed that all eight of the men should have been given life sentences.  Radio New Zealand International also reports that she seeks to appeal the acquittals of the five men who were originally charged with her son's murder. 

The Fiji Police also announced today that it will offer further training to its police officials in the future.  Police spokesperson Ema Mua said that the public's faith in the police needs to be restored.  Speaking in response to the Malasebe murder, she said, "There’s a real need now for officers to know how to deal with that sort, because no one is guilty unless proven by the courts. So yes, we are looking at introducing further training, further courses for officers when it comes to dealing with situations like this."

For more information, please see:

Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji police to improve training after two officers murdered suspect -- 24 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International-- Fiji police says officers' life sentences are fair -- 24 April 2008

FijiVillage -- Life Sentence Welcomed by CCF -- 24 April 2008

Fiji Times -- Police officers go in for life -- 24 April 2008

Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited -- Public will never know says Judge -- 23 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Fiji police murder victim's mother unhappy with ruling -- 23 April 2008

Papuan Students Released From Jail After Peaceful Demonstration

By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

JAYAPURA, Papua -- Today, seven Papuan students were released from prison after they were arrested for unfurling banned flags supporting democracy and Papua's independence. The students were let go after the Jayapura police station was bombarded with calls from concerned friends and family. 

Yesterday, about 500 West Papuan people met in Abepura, Papua’s largest city, to attend the peaceful protest which was reportedly organized by the West Papuan student organization, Front Pepera. In addition, the Indonesian Para-military police and military reported that hundreds of activists were prevented from attending the protest.

The seven arrested students included: Yosias Yeimo 22, Benyamin Sabu 30, Nebon Pahabol 25, Marthen Goo 29, Santon Tekege 27, Emilianus (Demianus) Keiya 27, and Gunawan Inggeruhi 22.

The demonstration centered around Papua’s right to self-determination and independence from Indonesia. Once a Dutch colony on New Guinea’s western end, Papua became Indonesia’s largest province in 1969. Violence erupted in 2003 after President Megawati Sukarnoputri separated Papua into three provinces: Central Irian Jaya (Irian Jaya Tengah), Papua (or East Irian Jaya, Irian Jaya Timur), and West Irian Jaya (Irian Jaya Barat). Indonesian courts declared that the creation of the central province was unconstitutional and in opposition to Papua’s Special Autonomy status.

The seven students were imprisoned after waving the Morning Star flag, which symbolizes democracy and self-determination. A law in Indonesia’s criminal code prohibits the display of the Morning Star Flag in Papua, the South Maluku Republic Benang Raja flag in Ambon, and the Crescent Moon flag in Aceh. All three flags are examples of banned separatist symbols.

Last month, Human Rights Watch, the largest human rights organization, called for the release of nine activists, who were similarly arrested for waving the banned Morning Star flag. “Raising a flag at a demonstration is a nonviolent act, but in Indonesia it can land you in prison," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch.

In March, two pro-independence demonstrators were sentenced to 15 and 17 years in prison for preparing flags for the South Maluku Republic. In the last month, the Para-military police have arrested 20 West-Papuans, all of whom remain detained as “political prisoners.”

Police said today that the seven arrested students will be treated as witnesses and will not be charged.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- Seven students in Papua released following arrest over democracy protest -- 23 April 2008

Scoop, Independent News -- Students Detained & Demonstration In Jayapura -- 23 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Students detained and demonstration in Jayapura -- 22 April 2008

InfoShop News, Independent News -- West Papua: Seven Students are released by Police in Jayapura -- 22 April 2008

Reuters, Asia –- Free Peaceful Protesters in Papua –- 19 March 2008

BRIEF: Three Police Officers Convicted of Malasebe Murder

SUVA, Fiji -- Three of the eight Fiji Police Officers charged with the murder of Tevita Malasebe were found guilty today.  The High Court found Corporal Lole Vulaca and Constable Rusiate Korovusere guilty of murder and found Sergeant Pita Matai guilty as an accessory to murder.  The High Court found that there was insufficient evidence to convict the five other men who had been charged with the murder. 

The three men who were convicted were those officers who had actually gone to Malasebe's house last June and were the ones, the court found, that actually assaulted the rugby player.  The court acknowledged that the other five accused men may have been present at the time, but this alone was not enough to secure a conviction. 

The verdict itself came three hours after Judge Justice Nazhat Shameem handed the case over to the assessors. 

Fiji Human Rights Commissioner Shamima Ali said that the conviction came as a huge relief.  She expressed her gratitude that justice had been done, but also expressed her hope that the court will now look into the death of Nadi teenager, Sakiusa Rabaka, who was also allegedly killed while in official custody.

Three men who were found guilty are scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International -- A Fiji Human Rights Commissioner welcomes guilty verdict -- 22 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International -- Police officers convicted of Malasebe murder -- 22 April 2008

Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited -- Malasebe's accused sentencing today -- 23 April 2008

Two Jemaah Islamiah Leaders Jailed

By Ryan L. Maness
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The trials of Abu Dujana and Zarkasih, both leaders of the South East Asian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah, were sentenced today to fifteen years in jail.  While both men were at various times leaders of the terrorist organization, the two were tried for different crimes and sentenced by different judges in the South Jakarta District Court.  In handing down sentence, the presideing Judges also officially declared that Jemaah Islamiah to be a terrorist organization. 

Abu Dujana, who was thought to have masterminded many of Jemaah Islamiah's terrorist attacks, and Zarkasih, the so-called "amir of Jemaah Islamiah", were both arrested last summer on charges of harboring terrorists and weapons charges.  At the time, the arrest was hailed as a victory for the Indonesia's fight against Islamic Militants. 

Abu Dujana, who has denied having any relationship to Jemaah Islamiah, was convicted by  Judge Wahjono for attacks against Christians on the island of Sulawesi.  From 1999 until 2001, Dujana was responsible for many attacks and bombings against Christian civilians.  Since that time, Dujana has condemned the style of attacks, claiming that they are against his stated goal of establishing Islamic law throughout Indonesia.  The Judge Wahjono was cognizant of Dujana's statement and renunciation of terrorism when he handed down sentencing and stated that he hopes that Dujana will help to reform other jailed terrorists.

Zarkasih was thought to have had more control over the rank and file members of Jemaah Islamiah.  He was also thought to have received training in Pakistan in the late 1980s and was associated with Muslim rebels in the Philippines in 1998. 

Jemaah Islamiah has been involved in a 2002 bombing in Bali, a 2003 bombing of a Jakarta hotel, the 2004 attack on the Australian embassy in Jakarta and three suicide bombings in Bali in 2005.  However, while once a feared organization in Southern Asia, Ken Conboy, a terrorism analyst, told Voice of America that Jemaah Islamiah is no longer a threat to Indonesia's secular Muslim government.  "They seem to have no real capability to attract and maintain … substantial numbers of new members." 

For more information, please see:
BBC -- Key Indonesian militants jailed -- 21 April 2008

Radio New Zealand News -- Indonesia jails militant leaders for 15 years -- 21 April 2008

The Associated Press -- Terror leaders in Indonesia get prison terms -- 21 April 2008

United Press International -- Top Indonesia terrorist leaders sentenced -- 21 April 2008
 

Indonesia Arrests Linked to East Timor Assassination Attempts

By Hayley Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

Photo courtesy of BBC News
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Three East Timorese soldiers were arrested Friday in Indonesia for having a possible hand in the assassination attempts on East Timor’s President and Prime Minister in February. The arrests follow allegations made Thursday that the shooting may have involved “Indonesian elements.”

On February 11, rebel soldiers attacked President Horta during his morning walk, shooting him twice in the back. The Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, was also attacked but escaped unharmed. The President returned on Thursday after a two month recovery in Darwin, Australia.

Although details surrounding the Indonesian arrests remain unclear, Indonesia's President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said the arrested suspects entered Indonesia illegally after the February attacks. The three men, Egidio Lay Carvalho, Jose Gomes, and Ismail Moniz Soares, are ex-soldiers of the East Timorese army.
Photo courtesy of BBC News
President Horta told journalists Thursday that while the shooters were thought to be hiding in East Timor, he believed “Indonesian elements” may be involved. President Yudhoyono was surprised at the allegations, stating that the two countries had been collaborating secretly to catch the suspects.

"I had instructed my ministers and police chiefs not to disclose that information to the public in order to give an opportunity to the Indonesian police to find these suspects," President Yudhoyono said.

While President Horta has been careful with his accusations, President Yudhoyono has warned that any allegations implicating the state of Indonesia itself, maybe hurt relations between the two countries.

The arrested men are among 600 soldiers turned rebels after their jobs were lost for protesting alleged discrimination during a 2006 strike. The army became divided along factional lines, and disputes erupted into violence which killed 37 and drove 150,000 from their homes.

To listen to President Horta describe the shooting, click here

For more information, please see:
ABC News -- Indonesia arrests 3 over E Timor attacks -- 19 April 2008

Reuters -- Indonesia says arrests 3 for attacks on E.Timor leaders -- 18 April 2008

BBC News -- Indonesia arrests E Timor rebels -- 18 April 2008

Radio Netherlands Worldwide -- Indonesia arrests 3 East Timorese soldiers -- 18 April 2008