Trial of Papuan Independence Activist Proceeds without Witnesses

Trial of Papuan Independence Activist Proceeds without Witnesses

September 14, 2012

Radio New Zealand International

A hearing in the trial of the Papuan independence activist, Buchtar
Tabuni, took place today in the Jayapura district court, without the
presence of any witnesses.

The leader of the National Committee for West Papua is charged with
having allegedly inflicted damage on the Abepura prison where he is
currently being held and for exchanging harsh words with prison
warders.

Bintang Papua reports that his lawyer Gustaf Kawer saying that there
were a number of people who the prosecutor could have summoned to
appear in court during the trial but he neglected to call these
witnesses.

Mr Tabuni has told the court that he had done everything he possibly
could to prevent a crowd of people from inflicting damage in the
prison in December 2010.