Activists from the Freedom of Expression Defender Team (TPKB) – Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – The lack of legal assistance and restrictions on the freedom of expression in Papua were in the spotlight during a gathering of activists from the Freedom of Expression Defender Team (TPKB).
‘Freedom of Expression is the Human Rights’ is the theme of the TKPB declaration that was held in Bogor, West Java, on Sunday (18/9/2016).
“In view of the absence of respect and protection of the rights of the freedom of expression in Indonesia, it becomes our reference to form a body consisting of lawyers and advocates who are concerned about tackling rights violations,” according to the release received by Jubi on Monday (19/9/2016).
The team was established based on the increased number of rights violations, including the rights related to religion and faith.
“Meanwhile, those who become the victims are those who are at risk and have no access to protection. It has become a reason to conduct training and declaration for the advocates, furthermore in the Law it mention that the advocates have obligation to defend their clients for free (pro bono),” Syamsul Alam Agus told Jubi via a short message on Monday (19/9/2016).
Especially for Papua, said Syamsul Alam, the received information identified the supporting instruments on the violations against the rights of the freedom of expression in Papua, including the policy of the regional Police through the Warning of Papua Police Chief that potentially cause the human rights violation.
“Therefore, as preventive action, these attorneys will conduct a study and identify the instruments that obstruct the freedom of expression in Papua, this step would be done together with the litigation strategy on that policy,” said Syamsul Alam represented Yayasan Satu Keadilan as one of the initiators of TPKB.
Besides the preventive actions, there would be the responsive actions. “The attorneys are opened to make coordination and synergy with other attorney in Papua to do assistance and defense to the people who face the case of the freedom of expression,” said Syamsul Alam.
TPKB was initiative of Yayasan Satu Keadilan, LBH Bandung, LBH Jakarta, Sejuk, LBH Pers, LBH Keadilan Jakarta Raya, LBH Keadilan Sukabumi Raya, LBH Yogyakarta & DPN PERADI.(*/rom)
