Surya Anta Sentenced to 9 Months Prison for Makar Case

Surya Anta Sentenced to 9 Months Prison for Makar Case

The Panel of Judges of the Central Jakarta District Court handed down a prison sentence against Surya Anta and five other Papuan activists who allegedly committed treason. Five other defendants namely Charles Kossay, Ambrose Mulait, Isay Wenda, Anes Tabuni, and Arina Elopere.

These six activists according to the panel of judges were proven to have violated Article 106 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code or concerning treason. The six activists were sentenced to eight to nine months in prison.

"Accused Surya Anta, Ambrosius Mulait, and Charles Kossay were found guilty and sentenced to nine months in prison," said the Panel of Judges when reading the trial verdict that was broadcast live, Friday (24/4).

A nine-month prison sentence was also given to Arina Elopere and Dano Tabuni. The nine-month confinement is reduced by the period of detention during the two serving a trial. While Isay Wenda was found guilty and sentenced to confinement for eight months in prison.

The six Papuan activists are considered to have committed treason after conducting a demonstration in front of the State Palace and the Indonesian Army Headquarters in 2019. The alleged plot against the six of them was motivated by the raising of the Morning Star Flag which was indeed a symbol of Papuan independence.

The hearing to read the verdict was carried out in the Central Jakarta District Court and broadcast live to avoid the spread of the corona outbreak. The defendants were also presented through bideo teleconferenceZ

Previously, the six Papuan activists were named suspects on 30-31 August 2019 on charges of treason and were charged with Article 106 juncto Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code 1 or Article 110 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code for expressing public opinion or demonstrations on the date of 28 August 2019 across from the State Palace.

The rally carries the theme "Anti-Racism, Capitalism, Colonialism and Militarism Students Refuse all forms of Discrimination against Papuans", which is a follow-up to racist remarks against Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java.