[Greens-Media] Greens condemn political decision to reject West Papuan asylum seeker

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

24.05.06

Greens condemn political decision to reject West Papuan asylum seeker.


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today condemned as 'politically motived' the
decision to reject the asylum claim of the last remaining West Papuan
refugee on Christmas Island.

"The Australian public will see this decision for what it is; a
politically motivated attempt to placate the Indonesians," Senator
Nettle said.

"This man has one of the strongest cases for asylum being the son of one
of the most prominent leaders of the West Papuan Independence movement
Thomas Wainggai who died whilst languishing on a life sentence in an
Indonesian prison after raising the West Papuan flag.

"He has been rejected on the basis of a flimsy technicality which the
Minister must know will not stand up to much scrutiny.

"Mr Wainggai is now doomed to remain alone on Christmas Island whilst he
waits for his case to be appealed at the refugee review tribunal.

"The Greens condemn this act of appeasement as another example of the
government's willingness to put trade and security relationships above
human rights."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146