WEST PAPUAN COMMUNITY COMMEMORATES TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BIAK MASSACRE

Sunday 6 July 2008 marks ten years since the massacre that shook the small island of Biak and sent repercussions through the international community.

Victoria's West Papuan community will assemble in City Square at midday to remember the victims, celebrate the survivors and ask that the perpetrators of the Biak Massacre are finally brought to justice for the horrific crimes they committed ten years ago on that day.

After false rumours that President Clinton had recognised its independence, joyous celebrations took place across the island. Hymns of gratitude and relief rang out from churches and the Morning Star flag was raised proudly.

The response from the Indonesian security forces was immediate and brutal. Unknown numbers of people, including the very young and very old, were murdered. Many more were beaten, raped and tortured.

Around 200 were abused continuously over a 24 hour period before being forced at gunpoint to board Indonesian naval vessels. Their bodies later washed up on nearby beaches showing signs of mutilation. The official explanation was that these were the victims of Aitape Tsunami, 1,000km away in Papua New Guinea - A geographical impossibility.

Ten years later, not a single person has been brought to justice for their role in this crime against humanity while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is yet to raise human rights issues with President Yudhoyono.

Join Melbourne's West Papua community in City Square for a somber commemoration of the events of ten years ago followed by a joyous celebration of the future hope for a free West Papua.

EVENT: Biak Massacre 10 year commemoration DATE: Sunday 6 July 2008 TIME: 12 noon - 1pm LOCATION: City Square, Melbourne (near corner of Collins and Swanston streets)

Please contact Daniel Scoullar on 0402 596 297 for more information

Australia West Papua Association (Vic) | 17/288 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, 3065